Obama's Remarks To Nation On Oil Spill [Full Text]

NPR ^ | Tuesday, June 15, 2010 | President Obama

[Star Traveler]

Obama's Remarks To Nation On Oil Spill

June 15, 2010

Good evening. As we speak, our nation faces a multitude of challenges. At home, our top priority is to recover and rebuild from a recession that has touched the lives of nearly every American. Abroad, our brave men and women in uniform are taking the fight to al Qaeda wherever it exists. And tonight, I've returned from a trip to the Gulf Coast to speak with you about the battle we're waging against an oil spill that is assaulting our shores and our citizens.

On April 20th, an explosion ripped through BP's Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, about 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Eleven workers lost their lives. Seventeen others were injured. And soon, nearly a mile beneath the surface of the ocean, oil began spewing into the water.

Because there has never been a leak this size at this depth, stopping it has tested the limits of human technology. That is why just after the rig sank, I assembled a team of our nation's best scientists and engineers to tackle this challenge — a team led by Dr. Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and our nation's Secretary of Energy. Scientists at our national labs and experts from academia and other oil companies have also provided ideas and advice.

As a result of these efforts, we have directed BP to mobilize additional equipment and technology. In the coming weeks and days, these efforts should capture up to 90% of the oil leaking out of the well. This is until the company finishes drilling a relief well later in the summer that is expected to stop the leak completely.

Already, this oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced. And unlike an earthquake or a hurricane, it is not a single event that does its damage in a matter of minutes or days. The millions of gallons of oil that have spilled into the Gulf of Mexico are more like an epidemic, one that we will be fighting for months and even years.

But make no mistake: We will fight this spill with everything we've got for as long it takes. We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused. And we will do whatever's necessary to help the Gulf Coast and its people recover from this tragedy.

Tonight I'd like to lay out for you what our battle plan is going forward: what we're doing to clean up the oil, what we're doing to help our neighbors in the Gulf, and what we're doing to make sure that a catastrophe like this never happens again.

First, the cleanup. From the very beginning of this crisis, the federal government has been in charge of the largest environmental cleanup effort in our nation's history — an effort led by Admiral Thad Allen, who has almost 40 years of experience responding to disasters. We now have nearly 30,000 personnel who are working across four states to contain and cleanup the oil. Thousands of ships and other vessels are responding in the Gulf. And I have authorized the deployment of over 17,000 National Guard members along the coast. These servicemen and women are ready to help stop the oil from coming ashore, they're ready to clean beaches, train response workers, or even help with processing claims — and I urge the governors in the affected states to activate these troops as soon as possible.

Because of our efforts, millions of gallons of oil have already been removed from the water through burning, skimming and other collection methods. Over five and a half million feet of boom has been laid across the water to block and absorb the approaching oil. We have approved the construction of new barrier islands in Louisiana to try and stop the oil before it reaches the shore, and we are working with Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida to implement creative approaches to their unique coastlines.

As the clean up continues, we will offer whatever additional resources and assistance our coastal states may need. Now, a mobilization of this speed and magnitude will never be perfect, and new challenges will always arise. I saw and heard evidence of that during this trip. So if something isn't working, we want to hear about it. If there are problems in the operation, we will fix them.

But we have to recognize that despite our best efforts, oil has already caused damage to our coastline and its wildlife. And sadly, no matter how effective our response is, there will be more oil and more damage before this siege is done. That's why the second thing we're focused on is the recovery and restoration of the Gulf Coast.

You know, for generations, men and women who call this region home have made their living from the water. That living is now in jeopardy. I've talked to shrimpers and fishermen who don't know how they're going to support their families this year. I've seen empty docks and restaurants with fewer customers — even in areas where the beaches are not yet affected. I've talked to owners of shops and hotels who wonder when the tourists might start coming back. The sadness and anger they feel is not just about the money they've lost. It's about a wrenching anxiety that their way of life may be lost.

I refuse to let that happen. Tomorrow, I will meet with the chairman of BP and inform him that he is to set aside whatever resources are required to compensate the workers and business owners who have been harmed as a result of his company's recklessness. And this fund will not be controlled by BP. In order to ensure that all legitimate claims are paid out in a fair and timely manner, the account must and will be administered by an independent, third party.

Beyond compensating the people of the Gulf in the short-term, it's also clear we need a long-term plan to restore the unique beauty and bounty of this region. The oil spill represents just the latest blow to a place that has already suffered multiple economic disasters and decades of environmental degradation that has led to disappearing wetlands and habitats. And the region still hasn't recovered from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That's why we must make a commitment to the Gulf Coast that goes beyond responding to the crisis of the moment.

I make that commitment tonight. Earlier, I asked Ray Mabus, the Secretary of the Navy who's also a former governor of Mississippi and a son of the Gulf, to develop a long-term Gulf Coast Restoration Plan as soon as possible. The plan will be designed by states, local communities, tribes, fishermen, businesses, conservationists, and other Gulf residents. And BP will pay for the impact this spill has had on the region.

The third part of our response plan is the steps we're taking to ensure that a disaster like this does not happen again. A few months ago, I approved a proposal to consider new, limited offshore drilling under the assurance that it would be absolutely safe — that the proper technology would be in place and the necessary precautions would be taken.

That was obviously not the case on the Deepwater Horizon rig, and I want to know why. The American people deserve to know why. The families I met with last week who lost their loved ones in the explosion — these families deserve to know why. And so I have established a National Commission to understand the causes of this disaster and offer recommendations on what additional safety and environmental standards we need to put in place. Already, I have issued a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling. I know this creates difficulty for the people who work on these rigs, but for the sake of their safety, and for the sake of the entire region, we need to know the facts before we allow deepwater drilling to continue. And while I urge the commission to complete its work as quickly as possible, I expect them to do that work thoroughly and impartially.

One place we have already begun to take action is at the agency in charge of regulating drilling and issuing permits, known as the Minerals Management Service. Over the last decade, this agency has become emblematic of a failed philosophy that views all regulation with hostility — a philosophy that says corporations should be allowed to play by their own rules and police themselves. At this agency, industry insiders were put in charge of industry oversight. Oil companies showered regulators with gifts and favors, and were essentially allowed to conduct their own safety inspections and write their own regulations.

When Ken Salazar became my Secretary of the Interior, one of his very first acts was to clean up the worst of the corruption at this agency. But it's now clear that the problems there ran much deeper, and the pace of reform was just too slow. And so Secretary Salazar and I are bringing in new leadership at the agency — Michael Bromwich, who was a tough federal prosecutor and Inspector General. His charge over the next few months is to build an organization that acts as the oil industry's watchdog — not its partner.

So one of the lessons we've learned from this spill is that we need better regulations, better safety standards, and better enforcement when it comes to offshore drilling. But a larger lesson is that no matter how much we improve our regulation of the industry, drilling for oil these days entails greater risk. After all, oil is a finite resource. We consume more than 20 percent of the world's oil, but have less than 2 percent of the world's oil reserves. And that's part of the reason oil companies are drilling a mile beneath the surface of the ocean — because we're running out of places to drill on land and in shallow water.

For decades, we have known the days of cheap and easily accessible oil were numbered. For decades, we have talked and talked about the need to end America's century-long addiction to fossil fuels. And for decades, we have failed to act with the sense of urgency that this challenge requires. Time and again, the path forward has been blocked — not only by oil industry lobbyists, but also by a lack of political courage and candor.

The consequences of our inaction are now in plain sight. Countries like China are investing in clean energy jobs and industries that should be right here in America. Each day, we send nearly $1 billion of our wealth to foreign countries for their oil. And today, as we look to the Gulf, we see an entire way of life being threatened by a menacing cloud of black crude.

We cannot consign our children to this future. The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash American innovation and seize control of our own destiny.

This is not some distant vision for America. The transition away from fossil fuels is going to take some time, but over the last year and a half, we have already taken unprecedented action to jumpstart the clean energy industry. As we speak, old factories are reopening to produce wind turbines, people are going back to work installing energy-efficient windows, and small businesses are making solar panels. Consumers are buying more efficient cars and trucks, and families are making their homes more energy-efficient. Scientists and researchers are discovering clean energy technologies that will someday lead to entire new industries.

Each of us has a part to play in a new future that will benefit all of us. As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of good, middle-class jobs — but only if we accelerate that transition. Only if we seize the moment. And only if we rally together and act as one nation — workers and entrepreneurs; scientists and citizens; the public and private sectors.

You know, when I was a candidate for this office, I laid out a set of principles that would move our country towards energy independence. Last year, the House of Representatives acted on these principles by passing a strong and comprehensive energy and climate bill — a bill that finally makes clean energy the profitable kind of energy for America's businesses.

Now, there are costs associated with this transition. And some believe we can't afford those costs right now. I say we can't afford not to change how we produce and use energy — because the long-term costs to our economy, our national security, and our environment are far greater.

So I am happy to look at other ideas and approaches from either party — as long they seriously tackle our addiction to fossil fuels. Some have suggested raising efficiency standards in our buildings like we did in our cars and trucks. Some believe we should set standards to ensure that more of our electricity comes from wind and solar power. Others wonder why the energy industry only spends a fraction of what the high-tech industry does on research and development — and want to rapidly boost our investments in such research and development.

All of these approaches have merit, and deserve a fear hearing in the months ahead. But the one approach I will not accept is inaction. The one answer I will not settle for is the idea that this challenge is somehow too big and too difficult to meet. You know, the same thing was said about our ability to produce enough planes and tanks in World War II. The same thing was said about our ability to harness the science and technology to land a man safely on the surface of the moon. And yet, time and again, we have refused to settle for the paltry limits of conventional wisdom. Instead, what has defined us as a nation since our founding is the capacity to shape our destiny — our determination to fight for the America we want for our children. Even if we're unsure exactly what that looks like. Even if we don't yet know precisely how to get there. We know we'll get there.

It is a faith in the future that sustains us as a people. It is that same faith that sustains our neighbors in the Gulf right now.

Each year, at the beginning of shrimping season, the region's fishermen take part in a tradition that was brought to America long ago by fishing immigrants from Europe. It's called “The Blessing of the Fleet,” and today it's a celebration where clergy from different religions gather to say a prayer for the safety and success of the men and women who will soon head out to sea — some for weeks at a time.

The ceremony goes on in good times and in bad. It took place after Katrina, and it took place a few weeks ago — at the beginning of the most difficult season these fishermen have ever faced.

And still, they came and they prayed. For as a priest and former fisherman once said of the tradition, "The blessing is not that God has promised to remove all obstacles and dangers. The blessing is that He is with us always," a blessing that's granted "...even in the midst of the storm."

The oil spill is not the last crisis America will face. This nation has known hard times before and we will surely know them again. What sees us through — what has always seen us through — is our strength, our resilience, and our unyielding faith that something better awaits us if we summon the courage to reach for it. Tonight, we pray for that courage. We pray for the people of the Gulf. And we pray that a hand may guide us through the storm towards a brighter day. Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless the United States of America

[Star Traveler]

You were saying ...

The share holders can’t pay the clean up.

Sure the shareholders will pay... to the extent that they own stock and how long they stay in the company before bailing out (and selling their shares) ... the shareholders are already "paying" now ... as it is. There'll be more to pay -- but -- as I said, that's one of the risks of owning a share of a company -- especially one that is acting like a criminal organization ...

BUT, I'm sure that the CEO of BP is correct in that they have BILLIONS to spare. I'm quite sure they do. However, after this is all over, they sure won't ...

[Quix]

THX THX.

[The Theophilus]

This is not an "off-the-wall" proposition, but fits very well in Biblical theology...

If it fits "very well" in Biblical theology, then it should be fairly easy to identify in Scripture rather than relying on Hal Lindsey, Edgar Whisenant, Harold Camping or this "White House Correspondent".

(Wasn't Helen Thomas a "White House Correspondent"? I mean, given those kinds of standards, am I supposed to be impressed ?)

[Optimist]

“pure unadulterated BS!”

No, pure unadulterated BO! ... something stinks

[plain talk]

And that's part of the reason oil companies are drilling a mile beneath the surface of the ocean — because we're running out of places to drill on land and in shallow water.

California? Florida? Alaska? No the reason they are drilling so deep is because of the leftists like Obama. In other words Obama and his ilk indirectly caused this disaster.

[UnChained]

“the account must and will be administered by an independent, third party”

Who will the independent third party be? Acorn?

[counterpunch]

Already, this oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced.

False.
Axelrod needs to check his facts better before putting words on 0bama's TelePrompTer.
 

[Star Traveler]

Eye to Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel

Product Description

What do these major record-setting events have in common?

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• The twelve costliest hurricanes in U.S. history
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---

As America Has Done to Israel

Product Description

God s everlasting promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel is still in effect today. Throughout its history, America has been in a unique position to bless the Jewish people, and has experienced many blessings as a result. In more recent years, however, America has failed to consistently stand by Israel and suffered dramatic disasters.

In this interesting and thorough book, McTernan traces the history of the Jewish people in America and how America s spectacular rise to power was tied to blessing the Jews. He examines America s integral role in fulfilling God s plan for the rebirth of the Jewish nation, and details the times when our nation defaulted on this call. Through a step-by-step analysis of political events, McTernan gives conclusive proof that God s judgment on those who curse Israel is still active. In every case where America has failed Israel, it has faced dramatic consequences within 24 hours.

From the Back Cover

Gods everlasting promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel is still in effect today. Throughout its history, America has been in a unique position to bless the Jewish people, and has experienced many blessings as a result. In more recent years, however, America has failed to consistently stand by Israel and suffered dramatic disasters.In this interesting and thorough book, McTernan traces the history of the Jewish people in America and how Americas spectacular rise to power was tied to blessing the Jews. He examines Americas integral role in fulfilling Gods plan for the rebirth of the Jewish nation, and details the times when our nation defaulted on this call. Through a step-by-step analysis of political events, McTernan gives conclusive proof that Gods judgment on those who curse Israel is still active. In every case where America has failed Israel, it has faced dramatic consequences within 24 hours.

[AZ .44 MAG]

"This nation has known hard times before and we will surely know them again. "

Well, yeah. If you have your way, Obunghole

He's an asshole.

[historyrepeatz]

I didn’t know BP was drilling so far out and so far down because there’s NO OIL LEFT ANYWHERE ELSE as Obama had stated.. Oh my God!!! I thought BP was forced far out because the environmentalists block oil drilling almost everywhere else. Wow, Obama has truly enlightened me! /SARCASM.

[redhead]

" think they’re running from 2 to 4 Valdez-sized spills each and every week ... depending on who you take as telling the truth on the amount of oil gushing out ... yeeeooow!"

I lived in Valdez for 18 years. Hubby was working there during the oil spill cleanup. After this, I never want to hear another WORD about the Exxon Valdez unless it is compared to this monstrosity. Words fail me...

[KC_for_Freedom]

What you say is sad but very true. While he is invincible, we must move to take away his legislative and court appointment power in the next election. With his wings clipped, perhaps we can survive until his term expires.

Let us never forget how important it is to run a good candidate.

[historyrepeatz]

We went to the moon after losing many rockets and many lives.. We went to the moon and we’ll be able to make it through this oil spill disaster.. Obama’s answer is.. An oil rig has exploded so we must STOP ALL DRILLING NOW!. If he’d reacted this way early in the Apollo program, we’d never landed on the moon. What a moron he is.

[boatbums]

One place we have already begun to take action is at the agency in charge of regulating drilling and issuing permits, known as the Minerals Management Service. Over the last decade, this agency has become emblematic of a failed philosophy that views all regulation with hostility — a philosophy that says corporations should be allowed to play by their own rules and police themselves.

He HAD to get his dig in about Bush, didn't he? The last decade would, of course, mean the eight years of George W. Bush and nearly two of HIS VERY OWN! He's had two years to fix what was wrong with MMS, and it was around way before W.

Through the Minerals Revenue Management (MRM) program, the MMS collects, accounts for, and disburses mineral revenues from Federal and American Indian leases. Since its inception in 1982, MMS has disbursed approximately $200 billion to Federal, state, and American Indian accounts. It is one of the largest revenue sources to the federal government after the IRS.

[redhead]

"Obama’s Shame-Wow address."

Laughed right out loud!

[Candor7]

#1 The US has no criminal jurisdiction if the rig is further than 20 miles off shore, except via Law of the Sea treaties, and Corporate licensing inside the USA itself.Yet it sent a para military Swat team.

#2 Why send a Swat team rather than Coast Guard rescue?

This whole situation stinks of double deals, and absolute foolishness. This well could have been sealed within 2 weeks if BP was willing to lose the well.They were given a chance to "recover the well", and played right into Obama's "nationalize the oil companies" plan.Fact: Obama could care less about the environment. He just wanted an anchor issue to nationalize oil corporations using the EPA.

We know how Barry Soetoro works. Get ready for a few months of , " The dirty rotten Oil companies." "The dirty rotten" oil company image was created by Barry Soetoro, for your consumption, and he ruined miles of coastline to get his way in nationalizing oil companies. Its the Alinsky way, no crisis will go unexploited.This oil incident may even have been created, just like the pre election financial crisis was created on Sept 17th 2008 by a 500 billion electronic bank run on the fed. We still don't know the names of the foreign banks that did that. WHY?

And lets see now, thats after the dirty rotten banks, dirty rotten wall street, dirty rotten drug companies, dirty rotten Health Insurance Companies, dirty rotten auto companies , dirty rotten Huteree Militia ( all out on bail BTW)and the dirty rotten Israelis.Only the Israelis will not be nationalized, but Barry is working on using the Iranian Red Crescent to violate the sovereignty of their country.

And you don't see a pattern here? Its laughable.You are either the most gullible person on FR, or a closet OBOT.

Barry Sotoero is the biggest treasonous schill we have ever had to contend with. He should be frog marched into the nearest federal pen, after being charged with sedition,criminal fraud and treason.

[boatbums]

I thought BP was forced far out because the environmentalists block oil drilling almost everywhere else.

And just think, if drilling had been allowed in the Arctic - a VERY small part - and a well exploded like this, how hard would it have been to fix, clean up and yet only impact, maybe, a few polar bears? The Enviro-whackos ARE partly to blame here. Accidents happen, wouldn't it have been far less damaging than the millions of barrels being spewed into the Gulf of Mexico as we speak, every day??? Even Saddam's' setting the oil rigs on fire in Kuwait did not cause this much damage.

[katiedidit1]

you can tell I am “green” on this topic. No pun intended but how much will this cost? do they know or can they estimate?

[LomanBill]

[Didn’t BP give more money to our CIC than any other candidate?]

Evidently that was when they were still a “green” company and the Deepwater fan hadn’t blown... you know... all over them.

[LomanBill]

>>Let us never forget how important it is to run a
>>good candidate.


NEVER AGAIN!
Pedigreed McPoodles need not apply!