The Exxon Valdez and the Memory Hole

[stevedeshazer]

Let's compare:

The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 24, 1989. It is considered to be one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters ever to occur in history. As significant as the Valdez spill was, it ranks well down on the list of the world's largest oil spills in terms of volume released. However, Prince William Sound's remote location (accessible only by helicopter, plane and boat) made government and industry response efforts difficult and severely taxed existing plans for response. The region was a habitat for salmon, sea otters, seals and seabirds. The vessel spilled 10.8 million U.S. gallons (about 40 million litres) of Prudhoe Bay crude oil into the sea, and the oil eventually covered 1,300 square miles (3,400 km2) of ocean.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exxon_Valdez_oil_spill

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This was 24/7 news in 1989. Folks who were aware then will back me up here. The public were outraged, yet nothing happened. Well, I guess they got fined and wrote it off. Multinational corporations don't pay taxes.

Fast forward to 2010:

Louisiana’s oil spill is releasing 42,000 gallons (daily--sd) of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, sure to threaten wildlife and resources.

It’s not hard to wonder why people are seemingly apathetic when it comes to environmental issues when there isn’t more focus going towards environmental emergencies that could cause severe degradation to natural resources and wildlife. Did you know that right now approximately 42,000 gallons of oil per day is pouring into the water just 36 miles from the Louisiana coast? You may have if you’ve known where to look, but sadly this environmental emergency of epic proportions isn’t receiving the media attention that it should be.

If you missed it above, let’s just revisit – yes, 42,000 gallons of crude oil is finding its way into Louisiana’s waterways each day. The spill, which now measures approximately 42 by 33 miles (um, 1386 square miles -sd), is leaking from a sunken offshore oil drilling ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Why would that be a big deal? After all, the leak may not stop anytime soon; but it’s not expected to get quite as bad as the Exxon Valdez incident. Tell that to the wildlife that inhabits that region of the Gulf of Mexico and others who rely on the resource for a clean source of water. Not to mention the living things on shore that will be impacted if the leak reaches shore by the end of the week as expected.

There are efforts being taken to curb the leak and sift the oil from the water, but that’s not really the point. The point is that this issue should be receiving far more coverage than it is. The reason it likely isn’t? Offshore oil drilling is a huge industry, too much chatter about the environmental impact might put it back in the forefront of the line of fire.

Is this an example of economy coming before the environment? That’s one perspective; you tell me and if that’s the way priorities should be aligned.

http://planetsave.com/blog/2010/04/27/economy-over-environment-the-limited-coverage-of-louisianas-oil-spill/

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My point is that just over twenty years ago, a huge oil spill meant something. Now, people just don't give a crap.

Why?

Because US media is bought and paid for, much more so than in 1989. And it was bad then.

[lonestarnot]

1. Ugh no. Oil just hasn't hit them in the face yet.

[amborin]

2. K&R

[Dappleganger]

3. If the platform hadn't fallen the way it had

and the pipe hadn't bent, it would probably be spilling way more than 42,000 gallons a day.

Kicked and recommended.