More Support for Federal Offshore Safety Institute

More high-ranking federal administration officials are throwing their weight behind a proposal to establish an offshore safety institute that would keep pace with growing developments in deep water drilling, and the risks arising from such drilling.

Offshore injury lawyers acutely felt the need for a strong body that would be up to speed with the technological advancements in offshore drilling, in the wake of the BP disaster in 2010. After the BP explosion, the federal administration and the companies involved found themselves reacting inappropriately to the tragedy.

For several days after the BP disaster, when it became apparent that there was going to be a massive spill, scientists and federal regulators collaborated on ways to minimize the damage from the leaking well. It took days before the leak could finally be plugged.

Deepwater drilling includes environmental risks as well as risks to crewmembers from increased drilling in uncharted waters. After the BP disaster, it became clear to the federal administration that there was a need for an institute that would keep up to speed with all the latest changes in the oil and gas industry, in order to be able to react appropriately in case of an emergency.

The Interior Department Social Energy Safety Advisory Committee recently voted to recommend an institute like this. Deputy Interior Sec. David Hayes has also supported the recommendation.

The point of the institute is to make sure that federal regulators are up to speed with all the latest technologies, so that they’re not caught unawares when a disaster like this occurs and they are required to step in.

The Houston offshore injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers  represent offshore workers injured in accidents in oil rigs and platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.