27,000 abandoned oil and gas wells, many probably leaking and more capable-
Gov’t and oil companies ignore them-
Gulf Awash In 27,000 Abandoned Oil And Gas Wells. By Jeff Donn and Mitch Weiss. Associated Press (reproduced in the Huffington Post)
I think many Americans are trying to ignore this ongoing disaster, but it will continue. Findings like this say hundreds or thousands of smaller leaks are likely.
This didn’t just begin in the Bush Administration, but the Bush/Cheney Administration thoroughly corrupted the leasing and oversight of oil and gas. Then Obama’s Salazar didn’t fix it, though he promised when speaking on his first day as Secretary of Interior.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project.
Not only the Gulf is awash in abandoned wells. They are all over our lands as well. Temporarily abandoned, permanently abandoned – all done by oil companies on the “honor system.” Too many to count.