The oil spill of 2010

This weeks news of the huge oil spill off the Gulf Coast I started to wonder how this could effect me living in Minnesota. The spill is the largest one in US history and scientist predict the results could be devastating. From the fragile wildlife above and below the surface of the water to the people living in the area the 5,000 barrels a day spilling into the water will have immense repercussions.

The first possible way I will me affected will most likely the increase in gas prices. Even if our reserves can still be unaffected, past incidents prove that oil companies will use this and other incidents as ways to increase barrel prices and ultimately those price will be past to the customer. With a government that is said to be in the recovery process a increase in gas prices, especially during the warmer months when people travel more by automobile, higher prices at the pump may mean less driving.

Also being a lover of seafood I am certain that the availability and the price of seafood will drastically change. When and if indeed the oil spill reaches the shore it could ruin a whole crop of seafood which local people rely on for their livelihood. I regularly go out for seafood and sushi and I can only image that when this does happen there will be a trickle down affect on the entire market.

I am also sure that President Obama's plans that were announced some weeks back for additional offshore drilling will also see some changes. With this disaster the public opinion on drilling more in the gulf coast will most likely see a change. Although additional drilling would provide the US with more oil domestically this spill will be a block in the road to achieving that.

This oil spill in one a huge proportions. The effects it will have will be felt through a variety of ways. Although efforts to contain and minimize the damage, it is just not possible. Although I may live many miles away and can have the ideal that it is not close to me therefore I will not be effected, I know better.