U.S. Doubles Gulf Oil Spill Estimate

I found some additional info...

BP Oil Spill Estimate Doubles
english.aljazeera.net...

New studies suggest the amount of oil gushing out from BP's damaged oil well in the Gulf of Mexico could be double what was previously estimated.
US scientists said on Thursday that between 20,000 and 40,000 barrels per day (3.2 million and 6.4 million litres) of oil flowed from the well before June 3, when BP's remotely operated robots sawed through an underwater pipe to clear the way for a capping procedure.

That is more than four times the amount of oil the Exxon Valdez spilled in Alaska in 1989, the previous worst spill in US history.

The US congress voted to make more money from a trust fund available to the Coast Guard to pay for its response to the spill on Thursday, removing a $100m limit that would have meant the Coast Guard running out of money by next week.
The trust fund, which has about $1.6bn, is financed by a tax of eight cents per barrel on oil produced by or imported into the US. The House of Representatives passed a bill last month to increase the tax to 34 cents a barrel while the senate is considering an increase to 41 cents.

BP has spent about $1.43bn on compensation and attempts to stop the oil leak so far [AFP]
The bill now goes to Obama to be signed into law but his homeland security secretary, Janet Napolitano, said that "while these funds will allow us to continue mounting an all-hands-on-deck, relentless response, our commitment to holding BP accountable for all costs associated with this disaster … has not wavered".

This part I have a question about, who shoulders this tax increase, us or the oil companies?

Peace

reply to post by speculativeoptimist


They pay the tax, then THEY pass it on to US. Welcome to Capitalism!

I think its about time we in America understand the repercussions of the artificially low price of oil.

Unfortunately, we may not know exactly how much is pouring out of that hole. It truley breaks my heart as I have spent many a day in the gulf shores. I was watching Morning Joe on MSNBC this morning and they were broadcasting live from Pensacola Beach. This area is widely known for their sugar white beaches. I actually cried because the oil was only five miles from the shore. They were literally begging people to come down and help with the prevention and/or cleanup.

But the more we hear from the alternative sites, the more we realize that it isn't safe. The oil should not be alowed to come into contact with skin. And the vapors from the toxic gasses can cause everything from respritory diseases to cancer.

So what happens to the peolple who live along the gulf? We already know that the fishing and shrimping industry is finished and no one knows for how long. Tourism will be the next casualty. Much of the gulf coast depends on both. But what of the health concerns for those who live along the coast? And how far from the coast must you live to be safe from the the effects of the oil and gasses? I have heard anything from five to fifty miles. We the people have a right to know the extent of both the damage and the dangers. If you are unsure of the effect of benzene gass, google Love Canal.

No one has a clue as to the real flow rate. You have to know pressure before you can calculate flow rate. No one knows the pressure. It has been stated as being from 20,000 PSI to 70,000 PSI. That is a big range and it makes all the difference. They are all just guessing. Well I for one do not care have much is coming out I just want it stopped.. I really really hate the idea of using a nuke to seal it but it is starting to look like we may not have a choice in the matter. It has to be stopped and stopped now. What are they waiting for? At some point there is going to be enough oil and gas to start the mother of all fires. How long would it take for a fire 1000's of squared miles across to burn up all the oxygen on the planet? If there is life on Mars they will be able to look up and see a new star. It will be us.

The true extent of what they have caused is indicated by their inept ability to even lie without getting caught. They have purposely poisoned the gulf. Watch these new videos and decide for yourself.

Got this from a friend of mine today.

Project Deep Horizon Cut-Throat Part 1
www.youtube.com...

Project Deep Horizon Cut-Throat Part 2
www.youtube.com...

Project Deep Horizon Cut-Throat Part 3
www.youtube.com...