BP Plugs Gulf of Mexico Oil Leak
BP has finally been able to plug the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico after the well has been spewing for 87 days. This news doesn’t make anything better for the tourism industry on the southern coast of the US, but it does bring some optimism that the issue is finally getting a little under control.
President Barack Obama said, as a 150,000lb. cap was put over the wellhead, that he believes this is a positive sign. They are still testing this phase and should have more to say about it on Monday. BP has confirmed the testing, saying that it’s likely to take 2 days. During this time, it’s very likely that more oil will leak out.
BP senior vice president Kent Wells says that it felt good to see no oil leaking from the well early on Thursday afternoon. Company officials are very encouraged by these developments, he continued, but warned that they are maintaining a strict focus. He added that he doesn’t want to create a false sense of excitement, as they want to continue going forward and making the right decisions.
This is really big news for the company, who is risking going bankrupt due to the accident because they had to spend billions trying to fix it and pay other consequences. However, the effects of what has become the largest oil spill in US history will impact the environment for years to come.
Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana, said in a statement that it’s too early to declare winning the battle, as this won’t even happen when they cap the well. Millions of gallons of oil are still floating in the Gulf of Mexico, he continued, and estimates show that it will continue to make land for months or even longer.