The Canada Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

invites you to a panel discussion on

The Risk and Regulation of Deepwater Offshore Drilling

The fourteenth in the Canada Institute’s One Issue, Two Voices series

featuring leading energy experts:

Alexander MacDonald, managing partner, Cox & Palmer (St. John’s, Newfoundland office)
James Coan, research associate, Baker Institute, Rice University

and moderator:

James Wheelhouse, Chief of Staff, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Please join the Canada Institute for the Canadian launch of its 14th One Issue, Two Voices publication exploring the topic of offshore drilling risk and regulation in the United States and Canada.

Authors Alexander MacDonald, managing partner in the St. John’s office of Cox & Palmer, an Atlantic Canada law firm, and James Coan, a research associate at Rice University’s James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, will present their views on this vital issue.

MacDonald presents an up-to-date account of the Canadian regulatory system for offshore oil development, which he argues has significant advantages over the model used in the United States. He contends the United States should be wary in thinking more regulators will lead to safer offshore drilling, and believes the decision to drill in the Arctic should ultimately rest in the hands of affected local populations.

Coan offers the American perspective, noting the United States would be better served with a more goal-based, goal-setting regulatory system for offshore oil development. In addition, he contends that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Management, Regulation, and Enforcement must consider harsher penalties for problem companies. Coan also argues that while the desires of local constituencies are important when deciding where and when to drill for oil, countries should consider factors beyond this.

The Canada Institute appreciates the support of Chevron for making this event possible.

Please note this meeting will take place in Calgary.

An RSVP is required to attend, as space is limited.