Offshore Drilling: What Oceana Does
Oceana is working to prevent the expansion of offshore oil drilling. Based on the direct impacts of oil to ocean wildlife, human health and local communities and its contributions to climate change, Oceana recommends the following:
- Reinstate the pre-existing moratoria for offshore oil production, including the protections for Bristol Bay, Alaska.
VICTORY! In December 2010 it was announced that for the areas previously opened for offshore drilling, they would now be closed to drilling in the next five-year plan! This moratorium closes the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific to the threats of offshore drilling.
- Begin the development of a comprehensive conservation and energy plan for the Arctic that provides a transition from oil to renewable energy and conservation.
The plan should include a comprehensive scientific assessment of the health, biodiversity and functioning of Arctic ecosystems, as well as the benefits and consequences of specific industrial activities.
Ongoing oil and gas activities must be stopped and a precautionary, science-based approach applied to all oil and gas leasing, exploration and development activities in Arctic waters to determine if those activities should be conducted and if so, when, where and how.
- Promote energy efficiency and low carbon fuels. Energy should be conserved at every opportunity, including through improved fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks, airplanes and ships. Provision of cleaner fuels and investment in efficient mass transit should also be priorities. Incentives should be provided to individuals, institutions and corporations to reduce their oil and other fossil fuel consumption.
- Prioritize the development of offshore wind energy in place of offshore oil drilling using financial mechanisms such as loan guarantees and refundable tax credits. Such funds should be extended to manufacturers of necessary technology, construction firms and where needed to prevent bottlenecks that could limit the development of renewable energy.
