Cleanup Continues at Shell Wharf
The cleanup and response operations continue for oil released at the Shell Wharf in Martinez, Wednesday. Assessments conducted throughout Wednesday continue to show no impact to the shoreline or wildlife, and no impact to the Martinez Marina or nearby marsh. Resources and personnel have been deployed to the affected area as a precaution to guard against any potential impact. Resources include absorbent boom, skimmers and a helicopter for aerial assessments, as needed. Residents may continue to notice extra activity at the wharf and the Carquinez Strait area throughout the evening as cleanup operations are conducted. "We are pleased with the progress and response to the release, both in the initial actions from Shell and the joint-agency cleanup and recovery activities," said Lt. Cmdr.
Canada To Keep Keystone XL Issue Alive With White House
Far from giving up on the Keystone XL pipeline to the United States, Finance Minister Joe Oliver said on Tuesday Canadawould keep the issue alive with the Obama administration despite a further delay of the U.S. decision on whether to approve it. Oliver, who promoted the TransCanada Corp crude oil line as natural resources minister before taking over at finance last month, told reporters that the U.S. delay would affect economic growth and jobs on both sides of the border. He also said it was an issue of national security, pointing out that Venezuela had threatened to cut off oil supplies to the United States five times in five years, and the Russian/Ukraine crisis had shown the vulnerability of Europe to non-reliable sources of energy.
