Tag Archives: Oil Spill

An Oil Spill’s Legacy / Local Business is Key in Africa / International Artists in Iowa

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The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has prompted regulatory changes in the United States. You can take part in an international conference on women entrepreneurship. An expert believes local business will lead economic growth in Africa. And, finally, meet a Pakistani novelist and an Iranian filmmaker who are taking part in an International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

New Offshore Drilling Rules
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The worst oil spill in U.S. history has triggered a shake-up of the U.S. Department of the Interior and prompted new rules that officials hope will keep oceans safe from future accidents. The department is creating two new independent agencies, one to approve oil and gas leases and the other to enforce worker safety and environmental regulations. Right, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil rig burns after an April 2010 explosion.


Investing in Women
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From January 24 to 26, the U.S. Department of State and the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey will bring together 125 women entrepreneurs from across Europe and Eurasia to discuss innovative ways to expand female-led businesses. Get the details on how you can participate in the inaugural “Invest for the Future” conference.

In Africa, Local Business is Key
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William Duggan, the co-author of The Aid Trap, believes an initiative like the Marshall Plan could work to stimulate economies in Africa. Duggan says local business is the key to meaningful, long-term economic growth and development.

Home Boy Author Studies in Iowa
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H.M. Naqvi is a Pakistani writer born in London who has lived in Europe, the Middle East and the United States, and who has worked variously as an international banker, performance-poetry promoter, creative writing instructor and literary editor. Naqvi is the author of a first novel, Home Boy, and is one of the 38 writers who attended the three-month International Writing Program at the University of Iowa in the fall of 2010.

An Iranian Writer and Filmmaker in Iowa
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Iranian filmmaker and writer Farangis Siahpour says “finding the place and time for a writer is half the battle of writing.” She found both in Iowa. Siahpour, left, is one of several artists from the Middle East who attended the 2010 International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

10 in 2010: A Year of Notable Obama Moments

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From the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to a surprise trip to Afghanistan, to getting injured during a friendly game of basketball, President Barack Obama has certainly had a busy year.  Here, in order of occurrence, are Obama Today’s picks for 10 notable Obama moments of 2010:

1.       Signs the Affordable Care Act into Law

During the presidential campaign, Obama listed making health care affordable and accessible to all Americans as one of his main priorities.  After a long and hard battle in Congress, and in the court of public opinion, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law on March 23.   Speaking about the momentous occasion, the president said, “Today, after almost a century of trying; today, after over a year of debate; today, after all the votes have been tallied, health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America.”
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/hBdcSA

2.       Visits the Oil Spill in the Gulf of MexicoThe country and the world watched as millions of gallons of crude oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, the result of a BP oil rig that exploded.  The accident killed 11 men and untold numbers of wildlife.  It has also affected the livelihoods of Americans who live along the Gulf Coast.  President Obama visited the devastation in May and said, “More than anything else, this economic and environmental tragedy – and it’s a tragedy – underscores the urgent need for this nation to develop clean, renewable sources of energy.”
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/g4LVgx

3.       Hosts Young African Leaders ForumIn August President Obama hosted the President’s Forum with Young African Leaders, aimed at giving African youth delegates and U.S. officials the opportunity to discuss the future of the African continent.  During a town hall meeting with the African delegates the president told them, “Today, you represent a different vision, a vision of Africa on the move…An Africa that’s ending old conflicts… an Africa that’s pursuing a broadband revolution that could transform the daily lives of future generations.”
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/eRN8Pa

4.       Declares  End of U.S. Combat Mission in IraqRealizing yet another campaign promise, in September President Obama declared the U.S. would end its seven-and-a-half-year military operation in Iraq and shift to a civilian-led mission to build a partnership with the country in an effort to strengthen its government, industry and people.  Speaking to the American people from the Oval Office the president said, “Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility.  Now, it’s time to turn the page.”
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/hRtCHZ

5.       Michelle Obama Helps Harvest the White House GardenWe can’t talk about President Obama without mentioning the first lady.  Michelle Obama has had a busy year in her own right, working with military families, accompanying her husband during important events, and leading her Let’s Move! initiative to end childhood obesity.  As part of that initiative the Obamas planted a garden on the White House grounds, and Mrs. Obama uses the garden to teach kids about the benefits of eating healthy, fresh foods, most notably vegetables.  In late October she invited elementary school students and world famous chefs to the White House for the First Lady’s Fall 2010 Kitchen Garden Harvest.
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/erDiPg

6.       Delivers a Post-Midterm Election Press ConferenceThe midterm elections were a tough time for President Obama’s party.  The Democrats lost control of the House of Representatives, and lost a handful of seats of the Senate even while managing to retain the majority there.  After the elections the president gave a press conference in which he made note of the defeats and signaled he was willing to work with Republicans to move the country forward. 
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/fiVzZq

7.       Takes a Trip to AsiaDuring a major international trip in November the president visited India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.   He met with foreign leaders, students and young people, and attended the G20 in Seoul.  Mrs. Obama took the opportunity to meet with women and girls to discuss empowerment and to play a game of hopscotch. 
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/fz0Txh

8.       Gets Injured During a Basketball GamePresident Obama played basketball in his youth, and has been an ardent fan of the sport ever since.  During one of his regular games with friends and White House staff, a fellow player accidentally struck the president in the mouth, busting his lip and requiring him to get 12 stitches.  Ouch!
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/fMJpMr

9.       Makes a Surprise Visit to AfghanistanIt was a quick, unannounced trip that garnered lots of media attention.  President Obama landed in Afghanistan on December 3 to meet with U.S. troops and U.S. officials on the ground.   He told a gathering of 4,000 troops at Bagram air base, “I know it’s not easy for all you to be away from home, especially during the holiday. We are here to say thank you for everything you do.”
Read the original post: http://bit.ly/fYKj6x

10.   Named Most Admired Man in AmericaFor the third year in a row a USA Today- Gallup poll found that Barack Obama is the man Americans most admire.  Garnering 22 percent of the votes, he beat out such world figures as former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, the Dalai Lama, and Nelson Mandela.  Read the original post: http://bit.ly/eATRI6

Piloting a path for Gulf recovery

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The president and Sasha steer the boat on a tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, Florida.

President Obama and Sasha steer the boat on a tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, Florida.

The Obamas’ private family vacation to Panama City, Florida over the weekend exemplified the president’s public message: “To the people here in the Gulf, we are going to be standing by your side. And to Americans all across the country, come on down and visit.”

President Obama, first lady Michelle and daughter Sasha spent the trip touring the area and meeting the locals.

While oil from the recent spill may no longer be flowing into the Gulf, Obama remains committed to recovery efforts in the region, he said at a roundtable discussion with business owners, officials, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus Saturday.

“I made a commitment in my visits here that I was going to stand with you not just until the well was closed, not just until the oil was cleaned up, but until you had fully recovered from the damage that’s been done,” he said.

He also encouraged Americans to travel to the Gulf Coast. (I’m already planning a visit to the Galveston beaches when I return home to Houston, Texas in a few weeks and can’t wait for a swim in the surf and a shrimp Po’Boy sandwich.)

Check out my favorite pics from the Obamas’ trip below!

It wouldn’t be an Obama outing without a stop for ice cream. The first family gets an ice cream snack before leaving for Panama City.

It wouldn’t be an Obama outing without a stop for ice cream. The first family gets an ice cream snack before leaving for Panama City.

Obama and Michelle greet members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Obama and Michelle greet members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Obama and Sasha go for a swim at Alligator Point.

Obama and Sasha go for a swim at Alligator Point.

The Obamas play miniature golf in Panama City. Who do you think won?

The Obamas play miniature golf in Panama City. Who do you think won?

Obama Meets with New Orleans Saints

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On Monday, the New Orleans Saints football team paid a visit to the White House, where President Obama commemorated their 2009-2010 Super Bowl win. The President noted the morale boost the team gave the city of New Orleans, which is still recovering from the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster and is now dealing with the effects of the Gulf Oil Spill.

“[P]lenty of cities carry their sports teams through a tough season,” the President remarked. “It’s a rare thing when a sports team carries a city through tough times.”

During the ceremony, the guests enjoyed traditional Louisiana cooking, including a 30 foot “po’ boy” sandwich. The meal was a reminder of the Gulf Oil Spill that has left the region’s fisheries struggling. Fishermen are just starting to open up their businesses again. Obama has pledged to help the region in its recovery.

“I made a commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast that I would stand by them not just until the well was closed but until they recovered from the damage that’s been done,” he said. “And that’s a commitment my administration is going to keep. So with the ongoing reopening of Gulf fisheries, we’re excited that fishermen can go back to work and Americans can confidently and safely enjoy Gulf seafood once again.”

After his speech, the team’s quarterback Drew Brees presented President Obama with a personalized team Jersey with his name on the back. A video of the event is available here.

Even though I’m not a Saints fan myself, I still think it’s great for the city of New Orleans that they had such a great season, don’t you think?

Obama establishes national ocean policy

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As the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico leaks a constant reminder of the vulnerability and importance of our marine environments, President Obama is taking action to protect the ocean, America’s coasts and the Great Lakes.

In an executive order issued Monday, Obama established a national ocean policy to protect, maintain and restore the health of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems and enhance the sustainability of ocean and coastal economies. The executive order, which is issued by the president but does not carry the full force of law, also develops regional plans to provide a more comprehensive approach to marine conservation.

Preserving a healthy ocean ecosystem has far-reaching effects, Obama said.

“America’s stewardship of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes is intrinsically linked to environmental sustainability, human health and well-being, national prosperity, adaptation to climate and other environmental changes, social justice, international diplomacy, and national and homeland security.”

Obama administration bans deepwater drilling

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The Obama administration issued its second moratorium on deepwater oil drilling Monday after a federal judge rejected the first ban last month.

The new ban, issued by the Department of the Interior, aims to protect communities, coasts and wildlife by stopping deepwater drilling while oil and gas companies implement safety measures to prevent risks of another spill and officials determine what caused the BP explosion on April 20.

U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman rejected the administration’s first moratorium after oil services and shipbuilding companies sued on grounds that it there was not adequate reasoning and it would have a permanent effect on the economy of the Gulf region. An appeals court refused to reinstate the ban last week.

The revised moratorium would allow some drilling rigs to resume operating if they have adequate plans and resources to prevent and recover from a spill. But the ban, which will be in effect until Nov. 30, will likely still face opposition from commercial interests in the area.

“We know that that is not without some economic consequences to the region,” Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a press release Monday. “But it’s imperative that we have a sense of what happened before we continue to do this again.”

Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue. BP installed a new sealing cap Monday, and as of Monday, more than 31.41 million gallons of oily water had been recovered and more than 46,000 personnel were involved in the clean-up effort.

Obama addresses Americans about oil spill

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Among some of the most famous presidential speeches are those in which the president addresses Americans from the Oval Office. Typically, these speeches happen during times of war or national tragedy.

Tuesday’s address, the first Oval Office speech for President Obama, featured words similarly used in discussions of war, speaking of “the battle we’re waging against an oil spill that is assaulting our shores and our citizens.” The response to the spill, which he called a “battle plan,” includes efforts to clean up the oil, help those affected in the Gulf, and take steps to ensure this never happens again.

In his speech, the President said BP will be held responsible for cleanup costs, part of what the administration has described as the largest response to an environmental disaster in U.S. history. The president also called on Congress to pass legislation to spur development of alternative energies. “The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now,” he said.

A transcript of the president’s remarks is available on America.gov.

Got questions about the oil spill?

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From the media and citizens alike, the Obama administration has been flooded with questions about its handling of the Gulf oil crisis. “The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster – and its economic and ecological implications could be devastating,” according to Carol Browner, assistant to the president for energy and climate change.

“President Obama has asked me to spend some time answering your questions directly,” Browner wrote on the White House blog today. She will be answering questions June 11 at 12:30 PM EDT. More information on how to join the discussion is available on the White House Web site.

Difficult time for the country

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More than 50 days into the Gulf oil spill, President Obama said in a June 7 Today Show interview that this is a difficult time for the United States. But “we’ve just got to keep on moving,” the president said.

“From day one, we understood that this was going to be a major disaster,” Obama said of the spill, which he called America’s largest response to an environmental disaster in history. “We have put unprecedented resources to deal with it.”

The Obama administration has faced criticism from those saying that the president has not expressed enough anger with BP’s handling of the situation. “Look, I would love to vent,” Obama said. “I would love to just shout and holler, because I’m thinking about this day in and day out. But my main job is to solve the problem.”

A transcript is available on the Today Show Web site. What do you think of the president’s comments?

Obama Visits Louisiana Oil Spill

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President Obama visited the shores of Fourchon Beach, Louisiana, where the 39-day long BP oil spill is having a profound impact.

“I take responsibility,” Obama said. “It is my job to make sure that everything is done to shut this down.”

The president met with U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen and Louisiana’s Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, who are facing the spill’s effects locally.

Allen said local responders from the state, parish and federal governments are using modern technology to track the oil containment booms daily.

“If oil were to get into the bay over here,” Allen said, “which is very, very sensitive, they’d have to have local shrimp boats that are standing by to deploy the boom.”

Booms are buoyant tubing used throughout the Gulf region to absorb the oil and contain the spill from reaching areas, acting as a fence around fragile ecosystems. Obama said he saw several “tar balls” washing up on shore where they can be picked up and disposed of.

“More than anything else, this economic and environmental tragedy – and it’s a tragedy – underscores the urgent need for this nation to develop clean, renewable sources of energy,” Obama said Thursday. “Doing so will not only reduce threats to our environment, it will create a new, homegrown, American industry that can lead to countless new businesses and new jobs.”