YES - we're addicted to Oil. Where else can we get it? How about those EXISTING 31 Million Acres of Leaseholds that the Oil Companies have SITTING IDLE? What? Are they holding out for $200/barrel prices to crank it up?
Folks, there is a crisis going on - I even feel it when I fill up my Prius (ouch!). But the Oil Companies (and, of course Oilman Bush) want to fool you into thinking that the 'quick fix' is to undo what the American Public decided 25 years ago - restart off-shore drilling. This, even as we face the prospect of ever-increasing coastal storms in this uncertain climatic transitionary period.
Now, I think we'll drill there some day. And I hate to see my family and friends (and self) dropping so much cash on gas. But, the FACTS IN THE CASE are that the Oil Companies have LOTS of properties they're ignoring. Why? Well, I'd speculate that it's hording and holding out for higher prices, along with using some good old OPEC-like leverage to create a political shift to their advantage.
My sources? This is a pretty balanced report - but see the third from last paragraph, reproduced below -
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=15050
"In Washington, Republican lawmakers and oil-industry lobbyists are arguing that opening restricted areas would boost supply and bring down oil prices. Critics contend not enough is being done to encourage alternative fuels and development of already-leased federal lands. Of the more than 45.5 million acres of federal land under lease, oil companies aren't producing oil or gas on 31 million acres."
And this is just the Federal lands (not Private, though I have no idea what that figure would be).
My final point: DON'T become a Single-Issue Voter this year ... ask questions and seek answers. When you hear a 'talking point', don't just parrot it back as a veneer of support for your postion - dig deeper. There are ALWAYS TWO SIDES to the story.
The next time someone says we need to drill off shore, ask them if they can understand why oil companies aren't drilling where we have already approved it.
JT
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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1 comment:
Jim writes -
Another aspect of this off-shore drilling redherring is that it takes years to bring this oil on stream so there will be no immediate price relief. Also, when it comes on-stream, there is no guarantee that it will be used for domestic consumption. Just think of how much of the Prudhoe Bay oil was shipped to Japan. (posted via email to JT)
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