Hearing on Oil Recovery Research & Technology Needs

The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science and Technology conducted a hearing on Research and Technology Needs for Oil Recovery and Effective Cleanup of Oil Spills. Committee Chair Bart Gordon (D-) made an opening statement. Subcommittee Chair Brian Baird (D-) made an opening statement. Mr. Douglas Helton, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), testified that NOAA is providing scientific information regarding oil spill trajectory and conducting natural resource damage assessments. Captain Anthony Lloyd, US Coast Guard, testified concerning the National Incident Command’s efforts to respond to the ongoing oil spill. Ms. Sharon Buffington, Minerals Management Service (MMS), testified concerning the agency’s oil spill response research program. Dr. Albert Venosa, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testified concerning the agency’s oil spill research program. Dr. Jeffery Short, Oceana, testified concerning oil spill cleanup capacity. Dr. Samantha Joye, University of Georgia, testified concerning gaps in the oil spill response research program. Dr. Richard Haut, Houston Advanced Research Center, testified concerning areas for research identified as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Dr. Nancy Kinner, Coastal Response Research Center, testified concerning oil spill research and technology needs. Mr. Kevin Costner, Ocean Therapy Solutions, testified concerning contributions that might be made through use of innovative technology in response to oil spills. (6/9/10).

(Source: Bryant’s Maritime News)