April 20, 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the BP drilling disaster, a tragic event that devastated the Gulf's ecosystems, harmed countless communities, and highlighted the severe risks of deep-sea drilling. As we reflect on the lasting impact of the disaster, we must call for stronger protections for the Gulf’s resources and advocate for a permanent moratorium on drilling in the Gulf. Furthermore, we must prioritize the aggressive decommissioning of existing fossil fuel infrastructure to ensure the long-term health of the region and its inhabitants.
“While 15 years may seem like a long time, to me and many others directly impacted on the Gulf Coast, it feels like yesterday. I’ve lived on Pensacola Beach, FL since 1984. I’ve survived Hurricanes Opal, Ivan, Dennis, Sally, and countless other storms, but no “storm” was as devastating or as lasting as the BP Oil Spill.” said JJ Waters, environmentalist and clean energy advocate of Sol by Sunna Design. Waters shifted her career to renewable energy due to the spill.