WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today applauded the launch of an initial well containment response system that provides significant new capabilities in the event of a potential deepwater incident in the Gulf of Mexico.
“The launch of a new well containment response system is the result of an unprecedented $1 billion joint effort by America’s leading energy companies to ensure that deepwater drilling is as safe as possible,” Harbert said. “Industry has stepped up to the plate, and now government should do the same and end the de facto moratorium to get the Gulf back to work for all Americans.”
The containment system was developed by the Marine Well Containment Company, a non-profit, independent organization founded by ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Shell. In addition to the founding companies, BP is also a member, and membership is open to all companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico.The system, based in the Gulf of Mexico, operates in water depths of up to 8,000 feet and can process up to 60,000 barrels per day of liquids. The Marine Well Containment Company was established following the Macondo tragedy with the goal of delivering a rapid containment response capability within the first six months of existence—a goal fulfilled by today’s news.”As a result of the administration’s de facto moratorium on drilling in the Gulf last year, the U.S. sent $72 billion more to foreign countries for oil and gas imports in 2010 than we did the previous year,” Harbert said. “America must become more self sufficient, not less. In these difficult economic times, we should not turn our back on our own energy resources and on the millions of jobs they create.”The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
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