Mar 31, 2010 Article by Theodore Roe | 6 comments

Obama’s Slick Move To Lift Ban On Offshore Drilling Is A Bit Crude

Well, he was for it before he was against it, evidently.

Where candidate Obama decries the Bush and Cain policy of offshore drilling.

And where, two years later, he embraces drilling as “part of a broader strategy” to make America energy independent.

Funny what a difference a few years, a new job and a massive economic turndown can do to one’s positions on key issues. Don’t fret though, Obamaniacs, this lift on the moratorium for offshore drilling has few teeth.
Yes, it is a move in the right direction, but the question of how hard will the administration push to get the proper footwork and paperwork into place that will allow drilling to begin remains. Also, the moratorium on drilling off the whole west coast is still in effect. This Obama plan only covers the east coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the possibility of some limited new drilling in Alaska.

Republicans are pleased with this step in the right direction, but notably skeptical about implementation of the plan. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, “…the proof of the administration’s announcement will be in the implementation: Will the administration actually take concrete steps to finish the studies, approve the necessary permits, and open these areas for production? Will they stand by as their allies act to delay the implementation in the courts?”

Republican skepticism does not constitute the only flak he’s receiving over this decision. Environmental organizations are busy tearing the president a new one. The head of the Sierra Club expressed his deep disappointment with the decision, stating that, “Drilling our coasts will doing nothing to lower gas prices or create energy independence. It will only jeopardize beaches, marine life and coastal tourist economies, all so the oil industry can make a short-term profit.” The Sierra Club formerly endorsed Barack Obama with glowing reviews, particularly citing his campaign’s promise to “opposes destructive oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and on fragile coasts.”

So why did President Obama lift the moratorium? Maybe he is genuinely trying to do the right thing. Now that he is in office he might want to put aside all the implausible garbage he sold the public in order to actually do thing that work. Pioneering the new technologies needed to wean ourselves (and the world) off of fossil fuels is wise, as it will create mountains of new patents for us to profit off of, but to expect a sudden transition from our current system to a revolutionary new one is totally unfeasible. Until we are able to stand entirely on our own, we should do the green thing and drill here (think hauling all that crude oil across vast oceans is ecologically sound work?) and filling the pockets of tin-pot dictators and religious zealots.

I just hope he’s serious.