The Exxon Valdez spill was in a cold climate. This is in a warm climate. Huge difference. Chemical reactions that will break down the oil will be effective at a much higher rate. That is not to say that the damage caused is something to laugh off.
When all is said and done, life and the planet will go on and we can go back to believing that driving an SUV will kill the earth.
Like the old phrase - a mile wide and a scintilla deep...
There remains a distinct possibility that the leak will continue for several months. There is a greater than zero probability that the situation will actually worsen - despite or perhaps even because of the best efforts to stem the flow.
I am not very optimistic in BP being able to solve this in 2-3 more months of drilling. Hurricane season is approaching. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this effort taking the rest of this year. In which case, the gulf states are in serious trouble. I live in Mobile and can see the very real possibility of desperate times ahead for those of us here.
The current well spent slightly more than twice the scheduled days of active drilling that were originally planned, and it did not have to mill through steel in the final foot.
It seems like now the main issue is how can we get this gusher stopped, and 60-90 days is not liveable for those who are affected and the seashore, marshes, wildlife, etc.