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Spills are inevitable in offshore drilling and can ruin entire ecosystems. Fifteen years ago, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused so much damage to the environment and public health that local communities are still dealing with the consequences. But spills aren’t the only threat, especially as oil companies use riskier technologies to drill further into the depths of our oceans. Even when there are no accidents, offshore oil drilling seriously pollutes our water and food supply. The standard process of offshore oil drilling releases thousands of gallons of polluted water and waste into the ocean, which contains toxic substances such as benzene, zinc, arsenic, radioactive materials, and more. And while offshore drilling drives the climate crisis, climate-fueled extreme weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes make spills more likely. Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita damaged a combined total of 113 platforms and spilled roughly 750,000 gallons of oil. Take action >> Our oceans, ecosystems, and communities can’t risk more offshore oil drilling.
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