🔹 Logistics at a Crossroads — Vol. 4 Oil, Tariffs & the Environment

 With the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill just behind us, I’ve found myself thinking about how fragile our ecosystems—and economies—truly are. I remember the images of oil-soaked wildlife, devastated coastlines, and the ripple effect on fishing communities. Millions of fish and animals lost. Over $250 million in economic damage. The environmental trauma still echoes today.

So when I read the recent news about President Trump announcing a 25% tariff on U.S. imports from countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela, my mind went straight to the kind of consequences we often forget until it’s too late.

The tariff, set to take effect April 2, is meant to address concerns about Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang the U.S. has now labeled a foreign terrorist organization. But once again, it’s oil and politics converging in a way that could trigger unintended consequences—for trade, for supply chains, and for people on the ground.

As someone who's worked in logistics for over two decades, I understand how deeply global energy policies impact everyday operations. Tariffs shift costs. They alter sourcing decisions. They affect labor, transit times, and ultimately consumers. But beyond the boardrooms and supply chain dashboards, we also have to ask:

• What environmental risks might emerge if supply routes change suddenly?

• Will pressure to source “friendly” oil lead to riskier extraction practices or overlooked safety measures?

• And are we thinking long-term—or just reacting to geopolitical friction?

What Exxon Valdez taught us—painfully—is that oil isn’t just about economics. It’s about ecology, livelihoods, and legacy. And policies made in D.C. or via social media posts can ripple out to fisheries in Alaska, truck yards in Texas, and ports in Charleston.

I'm not here to debate politics—but I do believe we need a more holistic view of energy policy, especially when it intersects with international security and trade.

We’ve seen what happens when oil spills—literally and figuratively. The question is: are we prepared for what happens next?