Melinda Janki, former in-house counsel for BP, discusses strengthening environmental laws in Guyana. She files suits against the government to block offshore drilling, alleging insufficient insurance coverage. The podcast explores the risks of offshore drilling, lack of oversight in Guyana's oil industry, and Janki's advocacy for a healthy environment.
The lack of regulatory capacity and oversight in Guyana's oil industry raises concerns about the potential for catastrophic spills and the need for stricter regulations and safety measures.
The government of Guyana must prioritize enforcing existing laws, conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, and demanding thorough insurance policies to protect the environment, biodiversity, and economies of neighboring Caribbean countries.
Deep dives
Risks and Mishaps in Offshore Drilling
The Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico serves as a cautionary tale for Guyana's offshore drilling projects. The tension between safety and speed in the drilling industry is a recurring issue, and there are concerns that Guyana is following a similar path. The lack of regulatory capacity and oversight in Guyana raises alarm, especially considering the high risks associated with drilling in deep waters. The potential for equipment failure, the handling of gas, and a lack of comprehensive environmental impact assessments contribute to the heightened risk factors. The Deepwater Horizon spill's devastating impact highlights the need for stricter regulations and thorough safety measures in Guyana's oil industry.
The Dangers of Fast-Tracking Oil Production
While the prospect of quick oil wealth may be enticing, fast-tracking oil production in Guyana comes with significant risks. The lack of proper oversight, environmental assessments, and adherence to regulations make the oil endeavor in Guyana a reckless gamble. The potential for catastrophic spills, the economic and environmental damage to Caribbean countries, and the lack of preparation for transboundary harm pose major concerns. Guyana's government must prioritize enforcing existing laws and ensuring that safety measures are in place to prevent disasters like the Deepwater Horizon spill from happening.
The Importance of Environmental Protection
Environmental protection is a key aspect of safeguarding Guyana's future. The country's constitution recognizes the right of every citizen to a healthy environment, emphasizing the need to protect natural capital. However, enforcement of environmental laws and regulations has been lacking. Efforts to hold oil companies accountable for potential spills, such as demanding thorough insurance policies and financial assurances, are crucial. Guyana must invest in strengthening its regulatory capacity and ensure that comprehensive environmental impact assessments are conducted to protect its unique biodiversity and the economies of neighboring Caribbean countries.
The Role of Lawsuits in Holding Oil Companies Accountable
Lawsuits play a critical role in demanding accountability from oil companies and governments involved in offshore drilling. Melinda Jankie, a Guyanese lawyer, has been at the forefront of legal challenges, highlighting faults in environmental impact assessments and the lack of enforcement of existing laws. The case for financial assurance and unlimited liability policies is essential in ensuring that oil companies are fully responsible for any damages caused by spills. By pressing for adherence to regulations and environmental safeguards through litigation, Jankie aims to protect Guyana's environment, communities, and the region from the devastating consequences of oil disasters.
One person in Guyana knows both the inner workings of oil companies and the intricacies of Guyanese environmental law better than most. Melinda Janki grew up in Guyana, but went to school at Oxford and then worked as in-house counsel for oil giant BP before returning home. Decades ago she started to help strengthen the country’s environmental laws. In 2020 she started filing suits against the government to block offshore drilling. Her latest suit alleges that the government of Guyana has not required large enough of an insurance policy to cover the level of damage an offshore catastrophe could cause