The one speaker from an environmental organization, Manley Fuller of the Florida Wildlife Federation, insisted that the current general plans for oil spill catastrophes be beefed up to include worst case scenarios such as oil spill recovery efforts complicated by major hurricanes and simultaneous oil catastrophes. Representing the State of Florida well, he restated Florida’s stance against any new drilling near Florida.

In other highlights, Dr. Edward Overton, an LSU professor, stated that “the booms were not particularly effective” and the coordination of clean-up efforts were characterized by a “lack of nimbleness.” Dr. George Crozier of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab questioned the use of dispersants in deep water and spoke of “profound uncertainties” connected with that use. To further our knowledge of the gulf, Dr. Crozier asked for deep water research tools that would enable research in the gulf waters at depths of 3000 feet and more where we have insufficient scientific knowledge.

David Underhill appeared outside the room wearing duct tape over his mouth succinctly symbolizing the lack of public participation allowed at the forum. The audience was not allowed to even ask questions and was told to remain silent at all times.

If you would like to express your opinion to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, you may submit your opinion at http://boemre.gov/forums . In my own comments, I underscored the importance of clean environmentally friendly energy sources that could also provide area jobs and not further jeopardize numerous community jobs such as the jobs currently lost in fishing and tourism.