In Spring 2010, an Explosion on an Offshore Oil-Drilling Rig

question 52

Essay

In spring 2010, an explosion on an offshore oil-drilling rig caused 11 deaths and a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. government declared a moratorium on oil drilling in U.S. territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico and a re-examination of offshore drilling regulations. What were the expected short- and long-run effects of these actions on labor in Gulf coastal states?

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Definitions:

Sales Returns and Allowances

Transactions in which customers return damaged or unsatisfactory products for refunds or credit, and adjustments made to sales revenue for these returns or granted concessions.

Accounts Receivable

Outstanding payments from customers to a firm for delivered or utilized goods or services awaiting settlement.

Merchandise Return

The process whereby customers return previously purchased merchandise to the seller for a refund, store credit, or exchange.

Selling Expenses

Costs incurred directly and indirectly in selling a product, such as commissions, advertising, and promotional materials.