Reply #7: I doubt they're much better.

[moondust]

Accidents do happen, as even Rand Paul recognizes in his own immature, corporatist way. That means there must be contingency plans in place to deal with whatever may happen. Of course contingency planning does not lead directly to huge profits so I suspect that makes it a good place for corporations to cut corners and not "waste" much time and resources. And not just at BP. Therefore good contingency planning would likely have to be mandated by law and enforced by the government.

The oil industry and/or government may have to consider creating one or more rapid response teams/plans to deal with disasters wherever they may occur. Or whatever...