Energy+Policy+Briefing

1. The top five energy issues facing the United States are Greenhouse Gas Regulations, Gulf Oil Spill Lawsuit, Finding Funding, Collaborating with China, and Climate Talks in South Africa []

2. The Gulf Oil Spill Lawsuit []

3. Obvisouly the lawsuit was a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It was caused by a pressure surge from a newly drilled well that could not be controlled by all of the various controls and alarms. As a result, those who have been affected by it (businesses, property, health, etc;) joined together in a class action suit against BP stating they were aware of the possible dangers of deep water oil rig drilling. []

4. The main contributors are British Petroleum, Transocean, and the people and businesses in the area surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. []

5. The regions affected were those surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, specifically Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. []

6. So far, the economic cost of the Oil Spill has been about $12.5 Billion []

7. An estimated $14 billion dollars in claims to be paid by BP []

8. $12.5 BIllion [] There will be less oil available for people, and a hike in gas prices. The latest numbers are: 6,104 dead birds, 609 dead sea turtles and 100 dead mammals, including dolphins. []

9. Skimming, Natural Degradation, Dispersants, Biological Helpers []

10. Ken Salazar (Interior Secretary) //"BP has been unable to stop this oil from leaking and to stop the pollution from spreading,"// []

11. Obama's administration is shutting down the dredging that was being done to create protective sand berms in the Gulf of Mexico. []