This is news to me: There are 27,000 abandoned oil and gas wells under the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and around 1,000 oil rig platforms no longer being used. Apparently not all of these structures have been permanently sealed off to prevent possible oil leaks into the water. After an AP investigation, it was discovered that at least 3,500 wells are currently capped with a temporary type of valve, which have the potential to leak. Also learned in the AP investigation is that these wells have sat for decades with no one checking for leaks!
I'm a little shocked that the accountability for this billion-dollar industry is nearly non-existent. Notice I said, "a little shocked". After all the finger pointing in the BP oil spill blame game, I guess I shouldn't be very surprised.
However, I am grateful that the oil industry is now being held to higher standards. President Obama has ordered oil and gas companies to permanently cap off these oil wells, which is a blessing to the Gulf of Mexico in many ways. For one, the waters and marine life will have a better chance of recovering from the oil spill disaster and will have less pollution seeping in behind the scenes. Two, this will create many much needed jobs in the Gulf region, as it will be a long process to accomplish.
Read more details about this oil issue at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39195347/ns/us_news-environment/
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