Markey was the leading Congressional investigator into the BP oil spill, and the first to post the Spillcam online of the underwater spill

Boston (April 20, 2018) – On the 8^th anniversary of the start of the deadly BP oil spill, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and their colleagues in introducing the Clean Coasts Act, legislation that will prevent future offshore drilling injuries, deaths, and terrible spills. This legislation also preserves safety regulations like the Arctic Drilling Rule, which have been targeted for repeal by President Donald Trump. The BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill, the worst environmental disaster in American history, resulted in the death of 11 members of the crew and the injury of 17 others. Oil spewed into the ocean for nearly three months. But Congress has yet to pass any legislation to address any of the recommendations made by the BP Oil Spill Commission in the wake of the disaster.

“Our coast and our oceans – from New England to the Gulf to the Arctic – should not be at risk from blowouts or drilling,” said Senator Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “It has been eight years since the worst environmental disaster in American history occurred in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon explosion. As the Trump administration plans to open nearly all of our coastlines to oil drilling and roll back drilling safety standards put in place following the BP spill, this anniversary is a reminder why we must never threaten our beaches, economy and environment by allowing drilling off the East Coast.

“Yesterday, the Trump administration began the process of allowing oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most pristine ecological treasures in the United States. Big Oil has found an ally in President Trump, which is why we must fight these efforts to hand over our coasts and other beautiful natural resources to the highest fossil fuel bidder.”

In April 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13795, “Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy,” directing the Department of the Interior to reconsider the Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control Rule and the Arctic Drilling Rule—a transparent attempt to rewrite safety standards in favor of industry interests.

The Clean Coasts Act codifies the Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control Rule and the Arctic Drilling Rule:

• Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control Rule: This rule includes safeguards like minimum requirements for the design, manufacture, repair, and maintenance of blowout preventers; dual shear rams for deepwater blowout preventers; real-time monitoring capability for high-risk drilling activities; and criteria for safe drilling margins consistent with recommendations arising out of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. The Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control Rule was finalized in April 2016.

• Arctic Drilling Rule: This rule includes safeguards for drilling activities in the U.S. Arctic Outer Continental Shelf, such as requiring access to appropriate containment and response equipment; ability to drill a relief well within the same season; and capability to predict and respond to ice conditions and adverse weather. The Arctic Drilling Rule was finalized in July 2016.

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

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