Pipe Cut By BP Is Not A Big Step, Says Climate Expert

By Linn Grubbstrom - Talk Radio News Service

Brad Johnson, a Climate Researcher for the Center for American Progress, commented on the shearing of the oil pipe earlier Thursday morning.

"Cutting the pipe is not a great accomplishment," Johnson said. "It would be good if they can start to take steps to limit, or at least start capturing some of the oil directly from the site."

Johnson argues that the American Government needs to take more initiative in getting the situation in order so they can progress to more efficient methods in containing the spill.

"I believe that in the short term, one of the most important things that the government can do is take much greater control over the disaster spot. I believe that it's a problem to have have this environmental criminal be in charge of its own crime scene."

Currently, approximately 37% of the gulf waters are still closed to fishing and the upper edge of the spill is on its way to Florida.