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U.S. Senator Bill Nelson Proposes Dispersant Regulation

August 2, 2010 -- As efforts continue to permanently cap the site of the oil gusher on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico, attention is now turning to the millions of gallons still out there. Florida's senior U.S. senator is proposing regulation of the use of dispersants.

Bill Nelson is introducing a bill in the U.S. Senate that would set strict guidelines on dispersant use in any future oil spill. His "Safe Dispersant Act" would regulate which of the chemicals could be used, and set a limit on the amount.

“The EPA is allowing the oil industry and the dispersant industry to do their own safety checks, says Nelson. “This is like the fox guarding the henhouse, and this has got to change.”

The use of dispersants has come under criticism for allowing the spilled oil to settle throughout the water column, instead of allowing it to float to the surface, where it could be collected. Millions of gallons remain suspended in the water, and scientists say they’re not sure how that will affect marine life.

 

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