The BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico—the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history—represents far more than an oil rig “accident” caused by human error, mechanical failure, or poor engineering decisions driven by an industry mantra of “Drill, Baby, Drill!” At its roots are deeper questions about corporate power, corruption, and accountability; technological risk; government deregulation; fossil fuel dependence; and the inability of most Americans to envision a shift to a clean and renewable energy future. In this article and commentary, the author draws on various media accounts and disaster studies to trace some of the key events leading up to the catastrophe, as well as its preliminary and evolving impacts. The author then offers some critical observations about our ability to prevent future energy-driven disasters in an era marked by corporate power; congressional timidity; and the control that the fossil fuel industry exercises over our economy, culture, and energy policy. As with the 9/11 tragedy a decade ago, the BP blowout represents yet another national wake-up call for the United States to heed the disaster lessons of the last 40 years, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and begin the transition to a sustainable energy economy.