Media release - September 14, 2005
Newly released satellite image maps taken since Hurricane Katrina show oil slicks in the Gulf of Mexico. The images, which were made public today by Greenpeace and satellite imagery experts at SkyTruth.org, indicate that oil spills are coming from multiple sources, including spills originating from known oil platform locations. Some of these slicks are just a few miles offshore.
Satellite imagery of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The white dots indicate oil rigs/platforms. The dark streaks indicate oil slicks. The nature of the large dark spot on the lower right-hand side is unknown.
Satellite imagery of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The yellow boxes indicate oil rigs/platforms. The dark streaks indicate oil slicks.
Satellite imagery of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The white dots indicate oil rigs/platforms. The dark streaks indicate oil slicks. The nature of the large dark spot on the lower right-hand side is unknown.
"These images appear to illustrate a substantial and ongoing
problem that has not yet been addressed," said John Coequyt,
Greenpeace's Energy Policy Specialist. "The energy industry has
been silent on the condition of its offshore oil rigs, platforms
and pipelines, focussing instead on oil supply and capitalizing on
the national tragedy of Hurricane Katrina to push for expanded oil
and gas drilling."
On September 6, Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary for Land and
Minerals Management at the Department of Interior stated, "We are
pleased that in the aftermath of Katrina, there have been no
reported significant oil spills from production," in testimony
before the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
In light of the satellite imagery, Greenpeace is calling on the
U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Department of Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to assess these oil slicks and to make public its
plans for stopping any leaks and for cleaning up the spills.
Last week, more than 100 companies sent a letter to Speaker of
the House Dennis Hastert and other Republican leaders, asking
Congress to open up coastal areas in other parts of the country for
offshore oil and gas exploration.
"These images highlight yet again the need to promote clean
energy solutions such as renewable energy and energy efficiency,"
said Coequyt. "If oil companies won't take responsibility for their
current environmental problems, why should the United States open
up the coasts of California, Florida or North Carolina to this
dirty industry?"