Twilight Zone: Climate Change Bill Threatened by Offshore Drilling Hazards?

In a strange twist of events, the recent oil rig catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico is causing some in Congress to rescind support for the new climate bill.  This is because at some point we decided that offshore drilling was an essential component of a new climate strategy.  If you're reaction was "huh?", you're in good company.  It's a shame it has taken disasters like the recent Massey mine explosion and the Gulf oil rig disaster to remind our legislators that fossil fuels are never a green option.

Meanwhile, there are 1,000 people still trying to figure out how to stop the spread of the the 39 by 48 mile spill.  So far they've tried underwater robots and are moving on to the "giant dome" solution, which sounds only slightly less ridiculous when compared to the set it all on fire approach which hit newsstands today.

Planeteer Commentary:

This is extremely frightening, what should the government do about regulating these kinds of damages in order to make sure that if something like this happens again they can protect the environment faster? Is the only solution to stop offshore drilling in its entirety or create better preventative measures through regulation? Is there an in between?

Also, what kind of action might be brought against Exxon for the damages that the oil spill will cause to the environment? Who has the required standing to bring the issue to the courts?