An oil spill is the intentional or unintentional release of oil (generally, petroleum) into the natural environment as a result of human activity. The term often refers to marine oil spills where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters. Oil can refer to many different materials, including crude oil, refined petroleum products or by-products, oily refuse, oil mixed in waste, or oily ballast. Oil is also released into the environment from natural geologic seeps on the seafloor, as along the California coastline.

The fate, behavior, and environmental effects of spilled oil can vary depending upon the type and amount of material spilled. In general, lighter refined petroleum products such as diesel and gasoline are more likely to mix in the water column and are more toxic to marine life, but tend to evaporate relatively quickly and do not persist long in the environment. Heavier crude or fuel oil, while of less immediate toxicity, can remain on the water surface or stranded on the shoreline for much longer. Oil from the Exxon Valdez and Gulf War oil spills, while weathering over time, has persisted along the shoreline for years after the spill.

Behavior of spilled oil

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Most types of oil float on the water surface, because they are less dense than water. These oil types tend to spread out and form slicks which are moved across the water surface by wind, waves, and currents. Depending upon the type of oil, some portion of oil in surface slicks will disperse naturally into the water column.

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USDA Biofuels Information


Energy

Designing and Implementing Large Scale Energy Efficient Lighting Programs (Part 2)
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.
Designing and Implementing Large Scale Energy Efficient Lighting Programs (Part 1)
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.
Energy Transport Joint Plenary 2 Fuel Financial Crises Energy and Transport Sector Challenges and Responses
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.
Energy Transport Joint Plenary 1 Technology and Energy Innovations for Clean Transport
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.
A Gender Sensitive Approach to Energy Projects (Part 2)
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.
A Gender Sensitive Approach to Energy Projects (Part 1)
B-SPAN On March 31April 2, 2009, the World Bank held Energy Week 2009 in the spirit of gathering field specialists, practitioners and policymakers to discuss energy and development issues. The conference was organized by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), The Energy and Mining Sector Board and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The objective of this event was to enable leading energy experts to provide and exchange solutions and insights towards the current challenges in global energy issues.

U.S. Department of Energy - Press Releases

Obama Administration Offers $59 Million in Conditional Loan Guarantees to Beacon Power and Nordic Windpower, Inc.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary Steven Chu today announced $59 million in conditional loan guarantees from the Department of Energy for Nordic Windpower, USA, and Beacon Power.
Secretary Chu Announces Two New Projects to Reduce Emissions from Coal Plants
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0000
Washington, DC - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that projects by Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Hydrogen Energy International LLC have been selected for up to $408 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Obama Administration Announces up to $32 Million Initiative to Expand Hydropower
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
Washington, DC - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $32 million in Recovery Act funding to modernize the existing hydropower infrastructure in the U.S., increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Obama Administration Launches New Energy Efficiency Efforts
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON - Building on the action by the U.S. House of Representatives in passing historic legislation that will pave the way for the transition to a clean energy economy, President Barack Obama and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency and save American consumers billions of dollars per year.
Secretary Chu Opens U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
Washington, DC - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today made opening remarks at the first U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue Roundtable at the Department of Energy Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Obama Administration Delivers More than $304 Million for Weatherization Programs in Georgia, Illinois and New York
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that the Department of Energy is providing more than $304 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs in Georgia, Illinois and New York.

EERE Network News

Obama Administration Offers $59 Million in Conditional Loan Guarantees to Beacon Power and Nordic Windpower Inc.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
DOE has offered $59 million in conditional loan guarantees to Nordic Windpower USA and Beacon Power. Nordic Windpower's loan guarantee will support the expansion of its assembly plant in Pocatello, Idaho, while Beacon Power's loan guarantee will support a 20-megawatt flywheel-based energy storage plant in Stephentown, New York.
President Obama Approves the Billion-Dollar "Cash for Clunkers" Act
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
If your gas-guzzling vehicle is on its last leg, but you've been putting off buying a new, more fuel-efficient car, new federal rebates of up to $4,500 might be the incentive you need to head to your local dealer. That's the thought behind a new federal program that runs from July 1 to October 31, or until the money runs out.
DOE Awards $454 Million for Clean Energy in 18 States
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
The states of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington. and West Virginia have received $454 million in Recovery Act funds through DOE's State Energy Program.
DOE Delivers $304 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Weatherization
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
DOE has delivered more than $304 million in Recovery Act funds to Georgia, Illinois, and New York, allowing those states to improve the energy efficiency of 85,000 homes of families with low incomes.
Interior Department Expedites Solar Energy Development in the West
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
The Interior Department has identified 24 large tracts of public land that could potentially host utility-scale solar power plants. The agency is studying the environmental and resource suitability of the tracts, located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, with the intent to speed the development of solar power facilities in the West.
Labor Department Offers $500 Million for Clean Energy Job Training
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
The U.S. Department of Labor has released five solicitations for grants that will improve and expand the training opportunities for people seeking work in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy. The application due dates for the grants run from August through October.

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