Oil Tanker Explosion, Energy Sector Plans
September 4616
Rechtenburg, Talasor - President Levine issued an Executive Order forming the National Energy Council (NEC) with its membership consisting of business leaders in the energy industry in hopes of growing that particular industry without too much government oversight. This comes in wake of an oil tanker exploding off the shores of Sayoon during the President's inauguration. More on that report from Lauren Dubois. Lauren.
During the President's inauguration ceremony, an oil tanker belonging to Revive Energy, Inc. exploded off the coast of Sayoon, one our nations leading oil producing regions. The explosion comes days after its monthly federal inspection. The explosion killed nearly 20 of Revive Energy employees, injuring another 30 employees. Federal investigators are working with regional and local authorities to figure out how the explosion happened and if negligence on behalf of the company or federal inspectors is applicable. Recent reports shows that federal energy inspectors have been cut by half along with other ministries since President Plyd was elected in 4606. Many Mordusians are believed to blame President Plyd for this explosion.
President Levine is said to be in a meeting with the NEC on solving the hiring problem of federal inspectors and reforming energy sector inspections altogether. The President and NEC Chair is set to make remarks shortly. Federal inspectors belonging to the Department of Energy and Nuclear Safety, were cut in half due to budget cuts. Plyd appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Nuclear Safety commented on the issue at hand.
Secretary of State for Energy and Nuclear Safety - For years, even when she first started, I fought to keep our funding or increase it because I know the importance of safety in our oil tankers, refineries, you name it. However, my request fell on deaf ears and our department's budget cut by nearly 13%. In that event, we had to layoff 190 of the required 300 inspectors that we had. These inspectors were tasked to inspect oil tankers, refineries, offshore drillings, etc. on a monthly basis. Inspectors were stretched thin, having to take on nearly 30 more inspections each month. Beginning last year, over 30 inspectors resigned their post due to pressing deadlines and the mountain of inspections that were required of them since budget cuts. President Plyd was aware of complications and did nothing to solve it. I do hope that President Levine is able to solve this issue and that the members of the National Assembly approves his request if any.
Here is the complete address of President Levine and NEC Chair John Witman:
President Richard Levine - Thank you for being here. I have established the National Energy Council that will work hand-in-hand with Department of Energy and Nuclear Safety and other departments and ministries to ensure that we protect the employees of these companies that are out on offshore sites, oil tankers and refineries. This explosion was a tragedy and must be solved quickly so it doesn't happen again. After talking with the NEC, we have come to a resolution that will be better for our companies, our people and our country. I will let him fill you all in on the details. John.
NEC Chair John Witman - Thank you Mr. President. The NEC, the Secretary of Energy and Nuclear Safety, Finance Minister and other parties that were included in the discussion have reached a unanimous decision to better solve this issue. As we speak, hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil is seeping into the ocean at record speed. Federal inspectors are lacking the numbers to effectively inspect these refineries and such. We at the NEC released to the President our opinion of how to better handle this situation to keep it from happening again. We decided that energy sector corporations in the area compile a team, under the directive of the NEC, to cap the well and stop the gushing of oil into the ocean. The team will also be tasked with cleaning up the oil in the ocean with new technology. The President has also agreed to increase funding for these departments and ministries to train and hire more federal inspectors and increasing the required number of inspectors from 300 to 450 by the end of 4620. This is a plan we all support. Thank you.
A budget proposal is set to be in the National Assembly by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Capping of the well and the cleaning of the ocean has already begun.