Tell the Coast Guard to protect our oceans from Big Oil!

The water surrounding the United States is currently filled with Big Oil’s tanker ships that have nowhere to go. These tankers are at risk of colliding, especially during a storm -- posing a grave threat of oil spills that will endanger marine life.

The U.S. Coast Guard could take steps to prevent the next catastrophic oil spill. But it must act now -- before it’s too late!

Comments

Admiral Karl L. Schultz
Commandant
United States Coast Guard

Dear Admiral Schultz,

I’m writing to urge you and the Coast Guard to take proper measures to address the oil tanker buildup off of our coasts.  An oil tanker accident would be an absolute disaster for the environment and coastal communities -- and the Coast Guard has the ability to help reduce this potentially devastating risk, along with other threats.

The coronavirus has caused companies to increasingly store their crude oil and other petroleum products in large shipping tankers anchored offshore. I understand that there has been an unprecedented buildup in the number of tankers in areas such as Los Angeles/Long Beach, Houston/Galveston and New York/New Jersey. With hurricane season in full swing on the East and Gulf coasts, and the ongoing threat of tsunamis on the West Coast, I am concerned that there hasn’t been a proper national response by the Coast Guard to increase disaster preparedness during this escalation and to reduce potential environmental and human safety impacts. Tropical Storm Cristobal damaged oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico for example, and nearly missed 90+ tankers anchoring near Houston/Galveston.

I am writing to request that the Coast Guard take the following steps around the country to protect our oceans and coastlines from the next oil spill:

-	Increase coordination between all levels of government overseeing emergency oil spill preparation and response, especially at higher volume ports. This can include encouraging coordination between Captain of the Ports in at-risk areas to share best practices during this unprecedented buildup, and to encourage them to effectively help each other in the event of an emergency.  
-	Implement a joint harbor safety plan for higher volume port areas.  
-	Set a higher national standard on emergency rules during high tanker buildup areas to increase the level of readiness for tankers.  This can include plans to transport response equipment and tankers themselves in a timely manner in the event of an emergency.  
-	Increase oversight such as helicopter monitoring to ensure tankers are physically distant enough to prevent accidents, are complying with environmental laws on discharge and pollution, as well as other safety rules.  
-	Coordinate with NOAA to understand how increased anchorage grounds may impact the marine environment, such as anchoring on sensitive coral or other impacted marine habitat that could be affected.  
-	Monitor the impacts of Special Anchorage Areas.  
-	Open a public comment period to gather public, government agency, and industry recommendations for reducing the chance of accidents, environmental impacts and to increase coordination at all levels of government.

The regulatory, operational, legal, financial, political and reputational risks associated with an oil tanker accident is enough for any shipping company to follow the rules. But those factors are not always the only consideration. We are in an unprecedented situation due to a global pandemic which can cause shippers to either skirt rules or make potentially disastrous mistakes. That’s why it’s up to the Coast Guard to increase monitoring and preparation during this time to protect both human health and our ocean environment. The Coast Guard must act now to ensure we don’t have the next Exxon Valdez or Deepwater Horizon disaster. We urge you to take these recommended steps to prevent the next oil spill and ensure our communities and oceans don’t suffer another oil disaster.

Thank you,
{user_data~First name} {user_data~Last name}
{user_data~City}, {user_data~State} {user_data~Postcode}

First name

Last name

Email address

Zip Code

What is your cell phone number?

Alerts about ways you can take action

Friends of the Earth Action Activists

By submitting this form, you are signing up to receive updates and alerts from Friends of the Earth and Friends of the Earth Action. You may unsubscribe at any time.

By providing your mobile number and submitting this form, you are signing up to receive texts, calls, and voice mails from Friends of the Earth and Friends of the Earth Action. For texts: Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 91990 to stop receiving messages. Text HELP to 91990 for more information. Terms & conditions.