Advances in technology, standards and practices in the last five years have made America’s offshore oil and natural gas industry safer than ever, API President and CEO Jack Gerard told reporters on a press conference call today.
“Our goal is zero accidents and zero spills,” said Gerard. “Our daily commitment is one of constant improvement until that goal becomes reality. The millions of men and women who work in our industry – and all Americans whose lives are powered by oil and natural gas – deserve no less.”
Gerard highlighted a number of actions the industry has taken, which began immediately after the Macondo incident in 2010 with a comprehensive review of existing practices to improve accident prevention, intervention and response.
“The industry’s overall safety record was strong before Macondo, and the co-chairs of President Obama’s national spill commission were absolutely right when they said that offshore drilling is now even safer,” said Gerard. “We will continue to build on these achievements because our goal is zero accidents and zero spills.”
Since 2010, API has published more than 100 new and revised industry standards for safe exploration and production. The Center for Offshore Safety, created in 2011, works to share best practices and help companies build enhanced safety programs, which are based on an API standard and now required by federal regulation.
“Producing more oil and natural gas here at home has not only grown our economy,” said Gerard. “It has strengthened our national security and made the U.S. a world leader in energy. One thing makes all of this possible: the ability to develop our energy resources safely and responsibly.”
Joining Gerard on the call were Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, and Stephen Colville, president and CEO of the International Association of Drilling Contractors. Luthi and Colville’s comments focused on advances in well containment technology and capabilities and drilling safety.