Oil Spill Response and Impact Analysis

The video discusses the Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. It covers the initial response, challenges faced, and the blame placed on Captain Hazelwood. The legal and environmental aftermath is explored, highlighting the long-term impacts and the legal battles that ensued. The video concludes with lessons learned and the implications for future oil spill prevention and response, noting that many lessons were forgotten in subsequent incidents like the BP oil spill.

What was the initial public reaction to the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

• Relief

• Support for the oil industry

• Outrage and betrayal

• Indifference

Who was blamed for the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

• The Coast Guard

• The local government

• The oil pipeline company

• The tanker captain

How much oil was spilled from the Exxon Valdez?

• 20 million gallons

• 11 million gallons

• 1 million gallons

• 5 million gallons

What was the main issue with the response to the spill?

• Lack of available resources

• Too many response teams

• Immediate and effective response

• Over-preparedness

What percentage of the oil was recovered after the spill?

• 50%

• 30%

• 15%

• 70%

How much did Exxon pay in punitive damages initially awarded by the jury?

• $1 billion

• $5 billion

• $10 billion

• $300 million

What was a major finding of the presidential commission after the BP oil spill?

• The oil industry had no safety issues

• All lessons from Exxon Valdez were applied

• Many lessons from Exxon Valdez were forgotten

• No significant oil spills occurred

What was a common issue with the emergency response plans of BP's competitors?

• They were not submitted

• They were overly complex

• They were nearly identical to BP's

• They were unique and effective

What did the oil industry resist after the Exxon Valdez spill?

• Public relations campaigns

• New offshore drilling safety rules

• Increased oil production

• Environmental conservation efforts

What is a key question scientists are trying to answer about oil dispersants?

• Whether they do more harm than good in the deep ocean

• Whether they can be used on land

• Whether they are easy to produce

• Whether they are cost-effective