BP Oil Spill: Gulf Coast Update - #4

As everyone knows by now, the BP oil well, that caused so many problems along the gulf coast, has been permanently sealed. It took about three months to get it sealed. That was far too long. People are asking; "Where is all the oil?" Come to the wetlands along the gulf and you will find your answer. That's all I will say to those people on this subject. The environmental impact will be felt for years, if not decades along the gulf coast. The cost is not really even known for sure at this time. Lawsuits are being filed against BP for not following through on their pledge to speed claims quickly to people most affected by the oil spill.

It appears that BP has slowed the claims process after promising they would make good on "valid claims" as soon as possible. That has not been the case. It appears now they are constantly changing department heads, in the claims process, in an effort to show they are doing what they promised. This has not been the case at all. Here along the gulf coast, people are at the end of their rope financially. The promised claims checks have not come when needed. As a result, people are losing their homes, cars and their businesses. Locally, here in Alabama, heated meetings have taken place with BP executives. In fact, some have gotten out of control and police had to step in when some people became too vociferous in their anger. One senses that BP is all about style rather than substance right now. They have the oil well capped. They seem much more relaxed and casual in their actions.

Alabama Governor Bob Riley has vowed to keep pressing BP to send the checks to those whose claims have been languishing since the outset of this disaster. Of course, none of this excludes BP from any future lawsuits that are surely to be filed by the state, local businesses and individuals affected by the oil spill. I'm certain BP is hoping to head off some of the lawsuits by "processing claims judiciously." I don't think there is anything that can help BP head off financial disaster now. In fact, the rumor making the rounds on the gulf coast is that BP is close to filing Chapter 11 for protection. That will be fought by virtually everyone on the gulf coast. One business is absolutely thriving due to the oil spill; trial lawyers have more business than they can handle right now.

The economic cost of the BP oil spill is going to be with us a long time as the lawsuits wind their way through the court system. Meanwhile, people will lose their livelihood. In fact, many people have already lost their way to make a living. Few commercial fishermen are making any money right now in their trade. This will continue for quite some time. Oyster beds are not being allowed to be cultivated. Oystermen are getting hit probably harder than any other commercial fishermen. The oil absolutely wiped out many oyster beds along the gulf coast. When they will be viable again is not something anyone is willing to hazard a guess at present. Shrimp and crabs have been hit hard. But, after the initial kill, they seem to be coming back. I still eat seafood. They say it is safe now. But, the restaurants have not recovered in any case. Some old restaurants that were already on the edge of economic collapse due to the economy, have boarded up. The possibility exists they will never come back after being in business for up to 20 and 40 years. One thing that many people here agree about; BP doesn't really give a damn despite their PR push on TV and radio.