The Prudhoe Bay oil spill has grown more alarming with each new revelation. However, what we heard today was the most shocking yet. In today’s Energy and Commerce Committee hearing we learned that had BP performed even basic periodic maintenance of its pipelines this whole mess could have been prevented. Unfortunately, they did not, and the entire country has paid the price. Our number one oilfield has been shut down, international financial markets have been turned upside down and consumers are paying more at the pump.
The potential damage to BP’s infrastructure, bottom line and reputation should have been enough to compel it to take care of its pipes. After all, this is the company that wants to move “beyond petroleum” to help foster a more sustainable energy future. Judging by the Prudhoe Bay fiasco, maybe BP should focus more energy on rudimentary pipeline maintenance and less on green public relations.