Obama clears way for oil drilling off US coasts

[Eileen West]

I just can't believe this is happening. I'm stunned. What about all the jobs and businesses that this will inevitably destroy when the tar balls hit the beach? And this early morning I'm thinking of all the wetland and essential grasses and reeds in St Marks! Those spawning pools will choke with the 1st oil slick. I'm completely freaked.

 

[Kayak Fish]

That uber-liberal Obama strikes again! I tell you all these far-left policies are destroying capitalism and America! I can't wait to get some real corporate shills back in office!

Wait, what?

 

[Miss Critter]

That uber-liberal Obama strikes again! I tell you all these far-left policies are destroying capitalism and America! I can't wait to get some real corporate shills back in office!

Wait, what?

 

[30A Skunkape]

I just can't believe this is happening. I'm stunned. What about all the jobs and businesses that this will inevitably destroy when the tar balls hit the beach? And this early morning I'm thinking of all the wetland and essential grasses and reeds in St Marks! Those spawning pools will choke with the 1st oil slick. I'm completely freaked.

Relax. The estuaries and coastal wetlands of Louisiana are not ecological disasters. Nearly 1/3 of the seafood consumed in the United States comes from Louisiana waters. Louisiana is the number one provider of shrimp, oysters and crabs in the USA and a close second in the harvest of fin fish.

 

[Arkiehawg]

Relax. The estuaries and coastal wetlands of Louisiana are not ecological disasters. Nearly 1/3 of the seafood consumed in the United States comes from Louisiana waters. Louisiana is the number one provider of shrimp, oysters and crabs in the USA and a close second in the harvest of fin fish.

Have you seen what those cajuns look like after eating all that toxic seafood their entire life? :shock:

Uh, wait,,,,,aren't you one of......nevermind....disregard....;-)

 

[toes]

I just can't believe this is happening. I'm stunned. What about all the jobs and businesses that this will inevitably destroy when the tar balls hit the beach? And this early morning I'm thinking of all the wetland and essential grasses and reeds in St Marks! Those spawning pools will choke with the 1st oil slick. I'm completely freaked.

There are solid, legitimate arguments for supporting this policy as well as for opposing. That will never change. What is not arguable is that this issue is being used as a political volleyball (this has always been the case and always will be). Obama has managed to upset much of his base as well as upset conservatives for doing what they consider way too little-too late. This is unique but I also believe it is well orchestrated. All of this has been done to inject life-support ASAP into Cap & Trade before November elections creap closer. Although based on current reports, the phrase "Cap & Trade" will not be used anymore from the White House to describe the President's comprehensive energy plan ("Cap & Dividend" anyone?). I assume Obama wants to say that he is reaching across the aisle and when none of the Rs support Cap & Trade, he can reach back across to the Ds and say I told you so! The Rs refuse to work with us so let's go it alone w/ Cap & Trade. Or something like that. I also suggest a look at Senate/Congressional races in the coastal states that are, and specifically are not included in this new oil policy.

Some facts that aren't typically discussed include the amount of oil platforms currently established in the Gulf Of Mexico. If you are panicked about what may be coming-take a look at what is already out there! There are currently 4,000 (approximately) various rigs. When Katrina and Rita struck in 2005, there were approximately 3,800 platforms. Rita actually caused more platform/production damage because the eye was further west than Katrina's (the attached picture shows why this is important - picture is from 2006). Rita destroyed 63 platforms and Katrina destroyed 46. Several more were damaged by each. Roughly 3,000 of these pictured platforms were in the path of these two hurricanes. All but one of the damaged platforms was built after 1988 when rig construction standards were tightened. All of the destroyed platforms were nearing end of life. No significant spills were recorded but I am well aware this also depends on your perspective of "significant." In my opinion-oil rigs and the pipelines are not serious environmental hazards. Their construction and destruction potentially cause more actual damage than anything else. Oil transportation (w/out) pipelines is a much more immediate threat (IMO). And love it or hate it-none of us will ever see the day when oil is not in high, high demand.

 

[scooterbug44]

We discussed the total fallacy that there were no significant spills from Rita or Katrina in another thread.

Yes, one's view of significant can vary, but I really do think 740,000+ gallons spilled and oil slicks 20 miles long qualifies as significant. :roll:

We can all see the day when oil is not in high, high demand, by waking the hell up, cutting our wasteful consumption, and using all of the valid and readily available alternatives.

 

[believer]

Im all for energy independence but where do we draw the line? No Pacific drilling but the Gulf is ok, that seems one sided. What about all the oil refineries and port pollution? The reason we love 30A so much is that we dont see all the commercial industry like other coastal areas.

 

[scooterbug44]

For example, Gidget put solar panels on her new house. Per her conversation w/ CHELCO, that only brings the total to 10 residences who can make the meter run backwards in our part of the SUNSHINE STATE.

I'd like to see that number get a great deal higher before we contemplate destroying our irreplaceable beaches to gain "energy independence" from the mainly North and South American countries who supply the vast majority of our oil!

 

[toes]

740,000 Gallons over 20 miles between the two hurricanes is a lot. The attached picture caused some of this. Not pictured is the second hurricane 25 days later which caused even more damage. 10.8 Million Gallons of spilled oil spread over 1,300 square miles is also a lot. A whole lot more "significant." This came from a boat far, far away from any hurricanes. That is why I offer perspective-we all have one. Your perspective is noble. Mine resides in reality. We can work towards both