The end of the worst oil spill in American history might be on the horizon with the success of top kill. Top kill was one of the many environmental reform measures brought forth by BP to plug the oil rig leak. Although environmentalism activists are still in shock at the devastating consequences the oil rig has brought on the environment, top kill is the first beacon of hope since the oil rig explosion over a month ago.

Top kill is a process where BP is pushing mud into the damaged blowout protector in an effort to block the oil. How much of a success the top kill is actually going to be is still unsure, but environmental reform measures are being presented and granted by President Obama to ensure these things never happen again. Green reform measures like a moratorium was granted that ceased the approval of new offshore oil rigs and environmental waivers were issued earlier this week. Obama commented in a press conference yesterday acknowledged the shortcomings his administration faced but said “those who think we were either slow on the response or lacked urgency, don’t know the facts.”

Although the top kill procedure seems to be stopping the BP oil leak, officials are hesitant to make any overoptimistic statements. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry is the federal on-scene coordinator for the Coast Guard, and she was optimistic that their efforts are working due to the flow turning muddy.

This however does not help the 17-27 million gallons of oil that has seeped into the Gulf of Mexico from the month long BP oil leak. The Director of the U.S. Mineral Management Service Elizabeth Birnbaum retired from her post due to the stress and blame placed on her and her department. It is unclear by environmentalist supporters if the Gulf’s wildlife and habitats will ever return to the way they were.