2010 BP Oil Spill

The 2010 BP Oil Spill, also known as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, occurred when an offshore drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the release of approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil over 87 days. This disaster caused severe environmental damage, affecting marine and coastal ecosystems, wildlife, and economies dependent on fishing and tourism. The spill highlighted significant safety and regulatory failures in the oil industry, leading to lawsuits, fines, and changes in drilling practices. It remains one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, with lasting impacts still felt today.