Impact of Oil Spills
Environmental and Economic Costs
Oil is a dominant source of energy in the United States, supplying the Nation with approximately 40 percent of its energy needs. Its use is widespread, providing fuel for the transportation, industrial, and residential sectors. Vast quantities of oil continuously enter the country via vessel or pipeline and are then transported to destinations throughout the Nation. With such widespread use and nonstop movement, it is inevitable that some number of spills will occur. One continuing policy issue is whether the Nation has the necessary resources and personnel in place to respond to a major spill. Impacts on Aquatic Environments No…
