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| US NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) projection map of BP oil spill trajectory. At this point in time, cleanup and containment are the only options the US government has. Mayor Hagedorn's vision takes into account cautionary tales like this |
The recent oil spill in the gulf of Mexico is a cautionary tale. As we worriedly watch aerial photos, we imagine places closer to us, in the same scenario. The oil well off the coast of Louisiana exploded a week ago [see NY Times article]. Today reports of 5,000 barrels a day leak and an oil slick thousands of square miles drifting towards the Mississippi river delta and Louisiana coast. This could turn out to be the biggest environmental disaster in US history. The message to places which are considering development of natural resources is clear: be careful!
This accident is an example of what can go wrong. With all the technology, good management and proper work processes, accidents still happen. In places like Palawan, an accident of this type would contaminate pristine coast line and a fragile marine ecosystem. A spill of this size has environmental effects lasting years. In addition, the economic impact could be devastating. What would Americans do if they had to do it all over again? Would they use less fuel? Would they develop alternative fuels so that crude oil exploration be less risky? To the US oil industry there is no going back. There is one good outcome from oil spills like this: the lesson learned. Places like Palawan, where coast lines are pristine and the environment is untouched by development can use less imported oil. Less use of crude oil may slow down the growth rate in Palawan. Temporarily it may even reduce the economic level. But the risks of spills and accidents can be reduced, even eliminated. What is the value of preserving a coast line and the natural life in it? Plenty! This is Mayor Edward Hagedorn's position. A vote for him will assure a more responsible development policy for Puerta Princesa City.
US EPA site: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/
US NOAA site: http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/deepwaterhorizon
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