On April 28, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, an offshore oil drilling rig rented by the oil company BP, and as a result, a fire took the lives of 11 crew members, and the semi-submersible sank two days later. After it sank approximately 50 miles off of the Louisiana coast, three leaks in a pipe and the well spilled over 5,000 barrels, or 200,000 gallons, daily almost a mile below sea level, making it the largest spill since 1989. Fortunately, due to timely winds and tides, as well as booms to hold the oil and chemical dispersants, the oil did not contaminate beaches or wetlands until three weeks later, but eventually, oil began to show on the surface. As a result, the spill was called an issue of "national significance" by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and any new offshore drilling would not be allowed until a thorough investigation is conducted. Also, this spill has sparked controversy over energy bills.
Source: The New York Times
By Brigette
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