Mexico Contemplates Taking Legal Action Against BP

As the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to spew over 200,000 gallons of oil per day, Mexico's Environmental Secretary Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada says his agency is closely monitoring the impact of the oil spill on various wildlife species. The Mexican turtle species Tiny Lora also spend part of their year off the coast of Louisiana, which has been polluted by the spill. Mexico is weighing whether to take legal action against BP PLC and Quesada and his agency are looking into international environmental law to see what can be done to hold BP PLC responsible.

While the oil spill has not yet reached the shores of Mexico, and is not expected to, a representative from Greenpeace Mexico explained that the "environment has no borders."

Image Source: Mirror.co.uk

Online Source: Associated Press, Mail Online

Venezuela to return island to the U.S. (updated)

Update:

Apparently Gov. Corazine skipped appearing at the handover ceremony due to fears over being labeled as a "socialist." (Link via FP Passport).

Original Post:

The Venezuelan government will give back an island near Philadelphia that had been used as an oil storage facility.

Petty's Island – a 300-acre island in the Delaware River- will be transferred from Citgo to the government of New Jersey for use as a wildlife sanctuary. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the move at last week’s Summit of the Americas as a gesture in favor of environmental conservation.

In a news release issued on Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine welcomed Citgo’s decision:

"Earth Day is a fitting time to consummate the donation of this special place," Corzine said in the news release. "Petty's Island has become an important home to bald eagles, kestrels and a wide variety of waterfowl. We are opening a new chapter in the island's long history by restoring it and giving it back to nature and the people of New Jersey."

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must certify that Citgo's cleanup of the island has met state standards before the title can be transferred, the news release said.

According to Corazine, Citgo pledged to create a $2 million fund for the Natural Lands Trust to manage the island which is home to endangered black-crowned night herons and a pair of bald eagles.

Image- New York Times (2005 photo of Petty's Island is with the Philadelphia skyline in the background).
Online Sources- FOX News, CNN, BBC News