Senator Mary Landrieu to Keynote Environmental Conference on the Deepwater Horizon Lessons; Industry, public and government to meet on second anniversary of accident.
Observing the second anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon accident off the Gulf Coast, Senator Mary Landrieu will be the keynote speaker at the North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s (NAMEPA) conference on April 20th. Entitled “Deepwater Horizon: two years after and beyond”, the conference will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans with registration beginning at 0800hrs.
The event will provide workshops on regulatory changes and implications, today’s conservation efforts and dealing with the public followed by a luncheon with a keynote address provided by Dr. Larry McKinney, the Executive Director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M who will focus on the impact f the Deepwater Horizon event on the environment. The afternoon will feature a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Steve Coan, on “Where do we go from here?” culminating by the keynote address by Senator Landrieu who will address the impact of the event on the region.
“It is important to reflect on the lessons from the Deepwater Horizon tragedy as we move forward with responsible exploration and production of deep sea oil and gas” stated NAMEPA Chairman Clay Maitland. “Safety and environmental stewardship is mandatory to protect not only workers, the oceans and coastlines, but also the livelihoods of our citizens. The Gulf region is a critical contributor to our national welfare, and we must collaboratively strive for the highest standards of excellence to protect it.”
One of the many highlights of the event will be the changes that have come through the newly created Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Director RADM James Watson (United States Coast Guard, Ret.) will update the delegates on developments coming out of this agency. RADM Watson and Captain Peter Gautier (USCG) are also expected to provide highlights of the recently signed memorandum of agreement between their two entities on their roles and collaboration in offshore oil spill preparation and response.
Secretary Paul Rainwater, Commissioner of Administration for the State of Louisiana will address the important considerations when dealing with the public. Open lines of accurate information delivered in a timely fashion are expected to head his list.
The Chief Scientist for Shell International Exploration and Production, Charlie Williams, will participate on the “Where do we go from here?” afternoon panel discussion. Charlie will discuss the status of the Marine Well Containment Project, a response to the Deepwater Horizon event. Also featured is USCG Captain Duke Walker, Chief of Response in District 8, where the event occurred. The conference is open to the public, but places are limited. There is a charge, and registration is required. To register, contact l.harris@namepa.net or call +203 255 4686 and ask for Lyn Harris.
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association was officially launched in 2007. NAMEPA is a maritime industry led initiative which engages businesses, government and the public to “Save our Seas” by promoting sound environmental practices and welcomes members who share this mission. For more information, visit namepa.net.