Last week, our nation took a significant step toward preventing another offshore drilling disaster with the completion of the final report of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. The report not only examines what caused the spill, it also makes a series of recommendations that strive to protect our nation's fragile ocean and coastal ecosystems while providing access to the energy needed by the American economy.
As the environmental scientist on the Commission, I was called on to contribute knowledge about the geology and oceanography of the deepwater environment, effects of the blowout, effectiveness of spill control efforts, and restoration of Gulf ecosystems. I am pleased to say that the reaction to our report has been overwhelmingly positive-by the President, his Administration, leaders in Congress and editorial writers throughout the nation.
Since the spill first occurred, UMCES has provided both on-the-scene environmental analysis and broad-based recommendations to policymakers and the public. It's this type of science-to-policy connection that makes the Center such an important institution. By providing science-based environmental analysis to the most important environmental issues facing our State and nation, UMCES is leading the way to a more sustainable future.
Don Boesch,
President
