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Oil in the Gulf: Ian Somerhalder says 'this disaster is the game changer'
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When we spoke with "Vampire Diaries" and "Lost" star Ian Somerhalder in May for Zap2it's sister publication the Los Angeles Times, he was still reeling from the tragic news of the Deepwater Horizon's explosion and the subsequent oil leak into the Gulf of Mexico.Today Somerhalder, who was raised in Covington, La., is horrified that the leak still hasn't been plugged and that up to 60,000 barrels of oil are still pouring into the Gulf every day.
"Never in a million years did I think that we'd be having this conversation two months later," he tells Zap2it. "You know when something bad happens in your life, or something goes wrong -- that weird kind of really uneasy feeling you have in the pit of your stomach? I've had that for two months."
Somerhalder returns to work on "The Vampire Diaries" on July 13, but he's devoted his time off this summer to tireless work in the Gulf region. Tonight (June 21), Somerhalder will be participating in Larry King's special two-hour telethon "Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help" on CNN at 8 p.m. EST.
Joining Somerhalder are Justin Bieber, Sting, Pete Wentz, Chelsea Handler, Cameron Diaz, Alyssa Milano, and many more celebrities devoted to the cause.
Stars will talk to Larry King and participate in telephone banks to take viewers' calls, and Ryan Seacrest will be hosting an online Social Suite for celebs to touch base with fans on Facebook and Twitter. Use the hashtag #CNNHelpGulf to participate.
"I've been working in Grand Isle, which is sort of Ground Zero right now," Ian says. "Basically, the entire area is shut down. Everyone from the waitress who serves you breakfast to the guy who owns the charter boat to the shrimpers - they all literally rely on the ocean to keep their industry going. They're shaking in their boots right now, because their industry is dead. Think about how frightening it is when you suddenly, though no fault of your own, can't feed your children or pay your mortgage."He continues, "All of this happened due to human error - the error is cutting corners, saving money at the expense of safety measures, and a nonexistent regulatory commission. The [U.S. Minerals Management Service] gets royalties from the oil industry. How is that any kind of regulatory body?"
Somerhalder strongly believes that the horrific impact of B.P.'s oil leak will change the way our nation operates, from an individual level to the federal government. "It's time to change, and I think this disaster is the game changer. It feels like this is one of those catastrophic events that truly changes the way that we think."
For information about how you can help, watch CNN June 21st at 8 p.m. EST and check out United Way, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Nature Conservancy. Keep an eye on Zap2it for much more from our interview with Ian Somerhalder and other CW stars working in the Gulf Region.
Call 1-800-491-GULF between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST on June 21st to speak with your favorite celebrities and, more importantly, to donate and help the dire situation on the Gulf Coast.
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Photo Credit: Getty
Photo Credit: Getty
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Oh good, the guy who makes a living looking pensive into a camera is weighing in on US energy policy. We can all rest easy now that we know Ian Somerhumper is on the case.
This tragedy may be man made, but it is still a horrific tragedy. It's so heartbreaking seeing the effects on the wildlife. The people are so devasted. This should never of happen & that's what makes it so much more tragic. It could of been prevented. Thank you to all who are working so hard to help bring relief. Ian is an example to what people should aspire to be. Thank you so much Ian, you are truly special.
He communicates so well about what the issues are. I adore him. He can be proud of what he's doing, I wish others were as passionate.
Jason, this is his HOME - he's entitled to his opinion, and actually using his profile to do GOOD. What is your PROBLEM? He's been vocal since DAY ONE and been down there getting his hands dirty. He's also clearly educated on all side of the issues. You are showing your ignorance. Unless you have something positive and constructive to add to this tragedy please keep your negativity to yourself. It's not helpful.
"All of this happened due to human error - the error is cutting corners, saving money at the expense of safety measures, and a nonexistent regulatory commission. The [U.S. Minerals Management Service] gets royalties from the oil industry. How is that any kind of regulatory body?"
Ian hit it right on the head, GO IAN!!
Thank you, Ian! Thank you for raising your voice and calling attention to this disaster while those Hollywood types who cry over drowning polar bears in Al Gore movies look away. Speaking of, where the f is Al Gore?
Thanks, Ian! Louisiana loves you!
Ian has been there since day 1. He has done PSAs about it. He has spoken to anyone who will listen and called out Hollywood. Every word in the article that he said is true. He has helped my family in LA and many others by bringing the awareness that no other celebrity did until this week. I watched his show sometimes but I will watch all the time now. He deserves support, praise, and our sincere thanks for all he is has done in the past 67 days. You shine IAN.
Ian Somerhalder is an amazing man! He has been a true advocate for the people & the wildlife of the Gulf Coast. He knows what he is talking about and this comes across with his passion to help. I watched the Larry King telethon tonight and made my donation to the National Wildlife Federation. Ian had a cousin that worked on the BP oil rig. Thankfully, his cousin was not on the oil rig the day of the accident, but knew the men that lost their lives. Tragic!
Ian has been on the Gulf Coast helping. He got oil on his hand and by accident rubbed his eye. This caused incredible burning, an infection and swelling. Please be more careful with those beautiful blue eyes of yours. Ian, you are truly admired and loved for your devotion to your home state. Thank you Ian Somerhalder!
Someone needs to take Obama and plug that hole...
Martin and Jason are both a waste of space on this planet. Let's use you two to plug the hole. I admire and support Ian for making a difference. He's a great person. And a great actor to boot.