Voices from the Gulf: We Have Certainly not Dodged a Bullet

by Marah HardtMay 27, 2010

This is the first installment in our series "Voices From The Gulf," focused on people who live and work in the areas being affected or threatened by the spill.

We may be getting some news about the Gulf oil spill, but a recent report suggests that we're likely not getting much information actually from the Gulf—at least, from areas outside those that BP allows journalists to go.

In an effort to overcome this restricted access, we are running this series of interviews to highlight real stories from real people to help provide some real perspective.

And we start with Will Ward, who had an up close and personal perspective on the "ridiculous spectacle" that was the Congressional hearings of oil executives two weeks ago.

"It was sad to see the corporate finger-pointing between BP, Transocean, and Haliburton. So far, it seems that there is negligence and malfeasance for the former two, but for Haliburton, it is difficult to say."

A third generation Floridian, now in law school, Will is part of a long line of Gulf watermen. "I have worked as a mate, crew, captain—everything in me is invested into natural resources of this Gulf." A boat captain for 20 years and a seafood business owner for 14, Will sees the industry's passing the buck as a sign of a deeply flawed system, where corporations lack any sense of social or environmental responsibility, and government agencies lack the will or the power to regulate the industry.

"Could you imagine what Teddy Roosevelt would say? He would be choking these guys at the hearing ... All we are asking is for them to be a good corporate citizen. It's not too much to ask. I asked everyday when I ran my boats, my deliveries. And I have pride in who I am and I can admire an honest business man." But these guys from industry seem far from honest.

As a fisheries commissioner (a position appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush), Will attended hearings with oil industry reps who assured them that the technology was in place to prevent disaster, that everything was "fool proof."

But, the real problem, Will believes, is our oil addiction. It allows the oil industry to scare politicians. It gives them power other industries don't have.  For instance, when something goes wrong with fisheries, they are shut down, sometimes immediately, for months at a time. "I couldn't imagine for the life of me that the same action would ever be imposed on the oil industry. They have the swagger, financial ability, and might on Capitol Hill."

Today, fisheries in the Gulf are closed. The oil rigs keep right on pumping.

One problem is that NOAA, the agency in charge of protecting fisheries and ocean habitat, doesn't have any power to regulate offshore drilling. Last fall, they warned of the dangers, but they were ignored by the Administration and Minerals Management Service (MMS).

"There is something significantly wrong with the process when MMS, under Department of Interior, doesn't have to answer to ecological questions and the industry/economic questions of the recreational or commercial seafood industry, or any of the non consumptive uses by the public, who want to see fish, whales, turtles.  All of those have the right to reject development of offshore drilling, but we can only comment and advise. Ultimately, the executive branch and MMS decides."

So NOAA, under Department of Commerce, has no teeth. It's another example why the oceans need some serious reorganization of management. Right now, it's an unbalanced system and fisheries are baring the brunt of the load.

"People think as long as the oil stays mostly off the beach, we've dodged the bullet. No. No. No. We've got adult animals caught in oil, in toxic material, out there. We've got contamination of the prey—the food—for the fish we catch. And we still have no idea how much oil is on the bottom.  I don't see they are as upset as I am. The people responsible cannot begin to understand the harm and hurt and suffering they have created."

Will says one good step forward is the proposed split in MMS between those who issue permits — and collect the fees — and those who enforce regulations. But should we allow any new offshore permits? In terms of deep-water drilling, Will thinks the system needs some serious re-assessment before further development should take place.

"I don't want to see any other part of the country put in the situation I find myself and my friends in right now. The industry has the technology to drill, but not the technology to stop it. Until we have total assurance they can mitigate damage, we could ban the practice."

Part of that assurance could come from raising the cap on the fines industry should pay to $10 billion.  But then again, as Will points out: "That number is arbitrary. We really don't know how much it will cost to clean up. What's the price tag for nature?

I've given my life to fisheries and management—making a living as a good partner with the Gulf. I took ownership and learned to take from nature responsibly. This disaster, which is what it is, could completely erase what I have done for 25 years—and thousands like me."

Ultimately, Will says, we've got to kick our oil addiction. Not just to prevent accidents like this, but because renewable energy can be profitable, is better for national security reasons, will reduce climate change, and it provides an opportunity for us to be leaders, creating jobs and exporting technology around the world.

"That is what American has stood for for 200 years. Let's do it" he says.

What do you say? Think we should ban offshore drilling for good?

Photo credit: The US Army