Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

X Prize To Offer Millions For Gulf Oil Cleanup Solution

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the just-pull-the-drain-plug-and-refill dept.

Jamie noted that X Prize is offering prizes for a solution to the Gulf Coast oil clean up. This is in addition to categories for mapping genomes, making an incredibly fuel efficient car, and exploring the moon's surface with a robotic vehicle.

7 of 171 comments (clear)

  1. It would be a lot easier, but EPA says NO! by Just_Say_Duhhh · · Score: 4, Informative

    This is not the first oil spill in the world. There are companies who do ocean oil cleanup all the time, but can't do it in the U.S. because of EPA regulations. You see, according to the EPA, any water dumped INTO the gulf can't have > 15ppm of oil. A skimmer will suck up oil and water, separate them, then discharge the water. If they can get 90% of the oil out, that's good, right? In the rest of the world, yes. In the world controlled by the EPA, no - they'd rather leave 100% of the oil in the water, rather than allow a skimmer to get most of it.

    If you suck dirty water out of the gulf, and put back not-so-dirty water, isn't that better than leaving ALL the dirty water there? Hello, EPA? How long did it take them to waive this STUPID regulation?

    --
    I need trepanation like I need a hole in the head.
    1. Re:It would be a lot easier, but EPA says NO! by sweatyboatman · · Score: 4, Informative

      it's called a waiver. the EPA gives them out all the time.

      in fact, remember the "whale" boat, the oil tanker that was going to be the gulf's salvation, but was being held up by all that red tape? They got their waiver (took about a day) and, well, it doesn't work.

      But, if it makes you feel better, go ahead and keep railing against the EPA.

      --
      It breaks my pluginses, my precious!
  2. Re:Jones Act? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/06/30/96831/gops-false-talking-point-jones.html

    Better lies, please.

  3. Here you go by spun · · Score: 4, Informative

    http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq-funds-20100727,0,3856364.story

    You see, when all us crazy liberals were saying we were going to Iraq to steal their oil, we were right. That's what we did.

    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    1. Re:Here you go by jbeach · · Score: 2, Informative

      Bingo. Would mod up if I could.

      Another argument I've heard is that "Why would the US invade Iraq for profit? Look how much it's cost!" Which ignores the fact that the cost is paid by taxpayers, while the profit goes to private businesses. Why should they care that the peasants have to pay?

      --
      The Invisible Hand of the Free Market is what punches workers in the nuts.
  4. Re:U.S. Cleanup Solution: Step 2 by sycodon · · Score: 2, Informative

    Especially when they can't find it

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
  5. Re:The Dutch by DerekLyons · · Score: 4, Informative

    Apparently, the Dutch have developed the technology to clean up the oil spill long ago. Unfortunately, for various reasons, they aren't allowed to use it.

    Actually, if you bother to read the article you linked to - they are using it in the Gulf. But rant away, it's linkage that makes you look cool and informative - not the contents of the link.