Offshore drilling is a global practice to extract oil and gas from beneath the ocean floor to be refined into products. In the United States, this method accounts for 15% total crude oil production. The process for extraction starts with exploration for the oil site where they then drill for the crude oil, then production of the oil begins. The oil is finally transported to land and refined. The products made from the refined oil include fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Much of this drilling is in the Gulf, which is rich with petroleum.
However, offshore drilling is also the source of many catastrophic environmental incidents. Most predominantly are oil spills from these rigs. The largest spill in history, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill also took place in the Gulf, releasing about 210 million gallons of petroleum into the waters. Oil spills are an example of polluting aspects of offshore drilling, the killing of hundreds to thousands of affected ocean flora and fauna is apparent with each one.
The production and use of fossil fuels is another environmentally damaging aspect of offshore drilling. Gasoline, diesel, and other fuels produced from offshore drilling all release harmful chemicals like greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases can cause a multitude of destructive ramifications like global warming, conditions, diseases, etc. Fossil fuels also heavily contribute to ocean acidification and thus the further extinction of many species and lowering of biodiversity in waters. One more consequence of fueling fossil fuels is the increase of plastic use and pollution, as almost all plastic products are derived from fossil fuels.
The Surfrider Foundation is a key group that fights against offshore drilling. The Surfrider Foundation works to protect the world’s oceans and to and ensure the humans remain connected with the ocean and waterways. They protest for plastic reduction, ocean protection, beach access, coasts and climate health, and clean water. The foundation has connections and campaigns all over the country, notably here in Maryland. Surfrider currently runs a campaign, “Drilling Is Killing” which urges political leaders and congress to stop new oil drilling from starting through legal means to protect our coasts.
Decatur has its own chapter of Surfrider advised by Mandi Wells, Steve Deakyne, and Sharon Smith which is active within the local community. So far this school year, Surfrider has staged a beach clean-up in Ocean City, tied third place in the 4th Annual “One School, One Community” Indoor Trunk or Treat decorative booth competition, and has participated in a webinar on offshore drilling presented by HQ staff, predominantly Pete Stauffer. Interested students may contact an adviser or join the Remind by texting, “@sdhssf” to 81010.
