Gas pump gremlins strike again

by Anne Law, August 17th, 2006, 7:00 am

“How much will I have to pay at the gas pumps now?” That’s likely the first thought that popped into most of our minds after the recent shutdown of the largest US oil field. Rightly so. Gas prices shot up and further increases are likely. But while I dread picking up the car keys these days, several other repercussions also need addressing.

Antiquated equipment and faulty management at these massive oil facilities are big concerns. That extensive corrosion on a length of critical pipeline at the Prudhoe Bay facility went unnoticed attests to the fact that these pipelines were not being properly monitored.

The crisis at BP’s Prudhoe Bay field is not the company’s first US incident attributed to improper maintenance – the British oil giant is still under investigation for another (larger) oil spill at the same Alaskan facility in March. It also faces scrutiny over the deadly explosion that occurred at its Texas City facility last year.

One has to wonder at BP’s touting of its environmental concern. While energy companies like to proclaim their dedication to alternative energy technologies, we all know that they make billions selling oil. The company has tried to give itself a “green” image. But despite its investments in this arena, BP has taken a fair share of flak from the likes of the EPA and OSHA. The company also tops the list of offenders with the largest number of refinery fatalities in the past 10 years.

When I think back to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, I recall the massive harm that it caused along the Alaska coastline. If maintenance standards aren’t updated, another serious oil spill is inevitable. This latest incident should spur senators to further examine the consequences drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, a valuable gem without its potential for black gold.

All of these issues lead to one of my top FAQs: Why aren’t we working harder to get away from our dependence on oil? While oil consumption is wreaking havoc on our natural resources, global relationships, and pocketbooks, the alternative energy technologies that could change our future for the better are being set to the side. Unfortunately, this probably won’t change until we force our policy makers to climb out of the oil companies’ pockets — and until consumers stop picking up the car keys.