Some reports now say that only 25 percent of the oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster is left in the Gulf. The more skeptical among us wonder where it all went.
Chances are good that much of it is trapped in habitats beneath the ocean's surface or in marshes. Naturally occurring bacteria are breaking it down as well, but some marine biologists worry that the bloom of microbes might cause oxygen levels in the Gulf to drop to dangerously low levels - levels that cannot support life. Still others are concerned about the long-term effect of the toxic dispersants used to break up the spill.
My main worry though, is America's short attention span. Now that Deepwater Horizon is no longer gushing oil- and without the 24/7 media coverage - will we stop being horrified, shocked and saddened? Will we be distracted by the next disaster, political scandal or celebrity in rehab? The real tragedy is that we can't focus long enough to actually fix this catastrophe and prevent another.
I think BP is counting on that.
Deepwater Horizon is a man-made disaster, caused by BP's greed and deliberate disregard for safety and the environment. There are good corporate citizens in the world. BP does not appear to be one of them. Just last week they were fined $50 million for their 2005 Texas oil refinery explosion that killed 15 people. This is the largest sum in the history of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Nonetheless, BP is already planning to drill another well in the same Gulf deposit. Will new regulations for drilling be stronger or weaker than the ones that allowed the largest off-shore oil spill in U.S. history? That depends on you and me.
It's up to us to remember what happened in the Gulf and who is responsible. We must pressure our leaders to demand accountability on the part of oil companies, especially scofflaws who have historically treated regulations as a joke. BP has repeatedly demonstrated that it would rather pay millions in fines than honor environmental and safety regulations.
Tell our senators and congressmen to stop bowing to big oil lobbyists and pass laws with real teeth. Vote for candidates who will work to pass strong environmental legislation.
Finally, we must reduce our thirst for oil by using less and supporting clean energy initiatives. We must do better.
If we fail, we will continue to put not only our environment but also our economy and national security at risk. It's not just about compassion. It's about survival.
• Lorie Schaefer is retired. For further information on how to help Gulf wildlife, go to the National Wildlife Federation at http://nwf.org.