U.S.-Cuba negotiating historic oil-spill treaty
The United States is working towards creating a joint clean-up agreement with Cuba in the case of an oil spill in the Gulf.
Cuba is less than 60 miles from the Florida Coast, but because of trade restrictions, the country’s drilling contractors are from all over the world. Lee Hunt is a general partner at Hunt Petty LP, a policy consulting firm that specializes in Cuban relations. According to Hunt, many of Cuba’s contractors don’t use equipment that meet the same standards as equipment used in the United States.
“U.S. law prevents U.S. oil companies from drilling within 125 miles from the Florida Coast using the best equipment available,” said Hunt. “Yet Cuba is able to drill within 50-60 miles off the Florida coast using second-tier, less-than-high-quality equipment.”
In the event that there was a spill, Hunt says trade restrictions, international water boundaries and a lack in Cuban clean-up supplies would make it difficult to stop.
“Cuba’s capability of protecting their own coastline is inhibited by their inability to access U.S. supplies,” said Hunt, “Things like booms and dispersant.”
The risks of a spill have caught the attention of U. S. government officials, as well. In February, the United States presented the Cuban government with a joint clean-up agreement. If it is agreed upon, it will be the first legally binding treaty between Cuba and the United States in more than 50 years.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is also working to mitigate the risks by loosening trade restrictions on U.S. exports. Exports are now allowed if they help protect the environment. Unlike other industries like agriculture, safety equipment can be sold to Cuba on credit. According to Hunt, it’s a loophole that not only could help the environment, but could help Louisiana oil, too.
“Cuba offers a chance to provide services to an additional 40 working rigs,” said Hunt. “That’s as many rigs as are working in Oklahoma.”
The economic possibilities have caught the eye of Louisiana legislators, as well. In Havana, state senator Sharon Hewitt met with Cuban officials to discuss the opportunities.
“This puts people back to work—it’s one of those rising tides lifts all boats,” said Senator Hewitt. “I think this could be just the shot in the arm we need.”
(From KATC.com)
