Rush to drill deeper carries added risks
Associated Press – May 12
The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig illustrates the energy industry’s push to drill ever deeper in search of huge oil deposits, despite the mammoth risks and unique challenges associated with exploration in such a hostile environment. . . . “This country’s pretty well committed to oil and gas, and nobody’s really happy when the price goes through the roof,” said Philip Johnson, a petroleum engineering professor at the University of Alabama. “My suspicion is that we’re going to proceed with production out of the Gulf of Mexico — and that means we’re going to keep trying to get farther and farther offshore.”
BP continues hunt to stop Gulf of Mexico oil spill
Guaridan (UK) – May 10
Nearly three weeks after an oil rig explosion turned the Gulf of Mexico into an environmental disaster zone, BP today still casting about for a clear plan to shut off the gusher of crude that has cost the company $350m (£235m). . . . But all of those options are highly challenging. “You are doing this at 5,000 feet water depth, under immense pressure and in complete darkness and you’re doing all this with remote vehicles,” said Byron King, an energy industry analyst. “You are feeling your way around, and that is a very tricky idea.” They also carry the risk of making the disaster even worse, said Philip Johnson, a petroleum engineering professor at the University of Alabama.
Gulf Oil Leak Spurs Innovative Thinking, but No Solutions Yet
The Takeaway (WNYC Radio) – May 11
Philip Johnson, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Alabama, joins us with his thoughts on innovative ways to plug the leak. And Erich Gundlach, an independent oil spill consultant who worked on the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, among others, offers his take on the creative thinking around cleaning up all that crude oil.
Officials Attempt to Box 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill – Again?
Apex News Network – May 11
Less than a week after the first attempt to place a 4-story box over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil leak, Engineers may try again. . . . “My suspicion is that it’s likely to freeze up anyway,” said Philip Johnson, a petroleum engineering professor at the University of Alabama. “But I think they should be trying everything they can.”
Campaign 2010: Despite his rising star, Artur Davis says he wants to come home
AL.com – May 12
U.S. Rep. Artur Davis’ star was rising in Washington. Barack Obama, a friend and ally, was in the White House, and the congressman had won re-election to a third term without major party opposition. Yet he decided to give all that up to run for governor. … David Lanoue, chairman of the department of political science at the University of Alabama, said Davis has been running his campaign with an eye toward winning in November. But the health care vote cut deep with Democratic loyalists and gave Sparks a weapon. Politically, he probably perceived he could not vote in favor of that bill and be viable in the general election,” Lanoue said. “But now the primary has turned out to be a little more of a struggle than he expected.”