Oil and Water Don’t Mix, Actor Danson Warns Congress

Wed, February 11, 2009 - 1:00 PM

Actor-activist Ted Danson continues is testifying this afternoon to the House Committee on Natural Resources on what he says is the need to protect the nation’s coasts from the threats posed by oil and gas development.

“I am here to testify against the opening up of the outer continental shelf of our oceans to oil and gas development,” said Danson, a member of the Board of Directors at Oceana, a global ocean conservation group based in Washington.

“Oil and water don’t mix,” Danson said, with actor-wife Mary Steenburgen sitting behind him in the hearing room.

“Our oceans give essential protein to nearly half the world’s population. In the US, recreational and commercial fisheries combined supply over 2 million jobs,” he said, in his written statement. “On top of that, coastal tourism provides 28.3 million jobs and annually generates $54 billion in goods and services.”

“Ecosystems are disrupted top to bottom by the short and long term effects of oil. More oil spills mean less abundant oceans,” he said. “More oil spills mean fewer wonderful, pristine beaches. More oil spills mean fewer jobs.”

Danson in now taking questions from the committee members. They’ve taken a break, at his request, but will come back and continue the questioning.

“I would like to stay here all day,” Danson said, in asking for the break.

“Next time, I will try to not be so nervous and not drink a lot of water.”

-- Billy House, Media General News Service