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What is the impact of the oil spill on the landscape and livelihood of the people of Louisiana?
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded, killing eleven workers and setting into motion one of the nation’s worst environmental accidents. By May, Louisiana had a “crude awakening” as heavy oil began washing into its marshland. Three months and 4.9 million barrels later, the well has been capped but the amount of oil that remains in the Gulf equals nearly five times the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdez, posing unknown risks to the environment and fisheries. State business groups and political leaders say that the federal ban on deepwater drilling imposed in response to the spill is crippling the oil and gas industry and costing thousands of jobs. And while BP has paid out nearly $300 million, more than 100,000 people are still waiting to hear about their claims.
Louisiana Public Square travels to Buras – the “Gateway to the Gulf” - to explore the impact of the oil spill on the landscape and livelihood of its people. Join residents, government officials, environmental authorities and wildlife and fisheries experts as they discuss the response and the ramifications to our state of the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
Watch “Crisis in the Gulf: The Oil Spill and Louisiana” airing statewide, Wednesday, August 25th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.
For the most up-to-date oil spill information visit http://www.lpb.org/oilspill
CLAIMS INFORMATION:
Beginning August 23, 2010, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility began handling of all oil spill related claims.
For information on how to file an oil spill related claim, visit http://www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com
Transcript of Gulf Coast Claims Facility administrator, Kenneth Feinberg explaining the new claims process.
PBS NEWSHOUR:
Tom Bearden posted on "The Rundown"
At Louisiana Forum, Questions on Oil Spill's Long-Term Impact
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Our Panelists:
We want to know your opinion! Leave your comments in the box below.
I think tonight’s Public Square on the oil spill was one of the best yet. Great guests, great questions, great video, great moderating. Save that one for the archives and put it in the
“good” pile.
Miriam Davey
The American people should know that from the moment this disaster began, the federal government has been in charge of the response effort.
As far as I’m concerned, BP is responsible for this horrific disaster, and we will hold them fully accountable on behalf of the United States as well as the people and communities victimized by this tragedy.
We will demand that they pay every dime they owe for the damage they’ve done and the painful losses that they’ve caused. And we will continue to take full advantage of the unique technology and expertise they have to help stop this leak.
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