RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Since the late 1970's, offshore operations have expanded throughout the world in Africa, South America, the Middle East, Asia, and in other areas. Before this, onshore drillings were developed since the end of last century. Restrictions on the petroleum exploration activities around the world are governed by standards, norms, laws and regulations designed to provide protection to the surrounding marine environment. Operations have been ongoing in waters off the American coasts and the North Sea for the longest period of time and both areas have developed the most detailed set of restrictions in order to control environmental impacts and to incentive the development of technologies capable to increase worldwide production target, considering nature conservation.
United States, one of the oldest oil industries in the world and Brazil, the new potential petroleum producer, have a huge obligation related to environmental concerns and investments. The last accidents in those countries show what can occur if new technologies would not be applied and what regulations are responsible for industry control and population consciousness. This paper describes the political regulative evolution in both countries, detaching the most important facts and how they are connected. Citing the most important past accidents, this project show what could be changed and how the oil industry works with the new perspective of being "green" at the same time they should increase their production rates and reserves.