To Drill Or Not To Drill? Why The Ban Should Be Lifted
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008
by Abigail Richards
We continue to hear the debate of drilling in the Arctic. The United States has a 27-year old ban on drilling in the coastal waters off Alaska.
Environmental groups continue to argue that drilling would be too detrimental to the environment. I have set with awe and wonder as this debate continues to fold out before my eyes. Gas prices continue to rise and fluctuate with records being set weekly. Americans are struggling just to make the house payments and some are seeing the gas bills climb to more than they are paying for their car each month. We recently had a hurricane warning near where I live. Residents were encouraged to fill up their gas tanks in case it did hit farther north in Texas. Every resident laughed on the news of how they couldn’t afford to fill their tank hurricane or no hurricane.
According to the survey, the Arctic holds about 13% of the world's undiscovered oil, 30% of the undiscovered natural gas, and 20% of the undiscovered natural gas liquids.
"Before we can make decisions about our future use of oil and gas and related decisions about protecting endangered species, native communities and the health of our planet, we need to know what's out there," said USGS director Mark Myers with the BBC reporting.
President Bush has already asked Congress to lift the ban on drilling in the Arctic. For all the criticisms of Bush, I think this is the right call at the right time.
Lets look at the advantages for Americans to drill in the Arctic.
According to a study from The American University, opening oil fields in Alaska would decrease U.S. dependency on petroleum imports from the Middle East and Latin America, boost the revenue of American oil companies, would create many American jobs, would lower the price of oil for American oil consumers, would increase federal, state, and local tax revenues, and lower our trade deficit.
Who does not want more jobs and lower gas prices? I apologize in advance for offending people with the next statement, but it has to be said. When did the value of animal life become more valuable than human life?
The honest truth is that the drilling could have no effect on the environment. I think environmentalist play up the victim mentality to fear people into thinking it is the end of the world.
In fact, since the ice has melted so much in the area, oil companies think it would be easier to drill without disturbing the area. The government environmental impact study stated that animals being effected by a spill is also unlikely because of the area. Environmentalist also voice that it would take over a decade before consumers would feel the effects of their offshore drilling.
I have seen analysts say it could take only a year or two to get the oil refined and the American economy to know the difference.
To me, I think it is a question of can America survive if something isn’t done and we continue our dependency on overseas oil?
I think the American family can not survive and I honestly do not see our country surviving much longer.
It is fine to say for us to look to other alternatives to replace oil. However, that puts a lot of individuals who work in the oil industry out of jobs. Those who do have jobs can’t afford the new technology.
Instead of taking the necessary steps to have a better life for Americans now by drilling offshore, we would rather destroy families and futures on the off chance that an animal gets hurt? I don’t understand how any of that makes sense.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Great article, Abigail! I agree with you. While care needs to be taken for our environment, God placed those resources there - let's use them. The arguement of it taking 10+ years to see the difference, then we should have been drilling 10 years ago and we wouldn't be in this mess. A state senator has compared that to a pre-med student saying it will be 10 years before I can help anyone so why bother.I love the comparison Lorrie! Thanks so much for commenting and agreeing! It is nice to have someone share my views!!!
You're a very smart young lady, America needs more like you. Thank You for such a great article.WOW! Michael-what a nice compliment! I wish everyone thought the same as you! :) Thanks for commenting!
Hmm, interesting 'arguments'. Let's take a look at a few:You ask -"When did the value of animal life become more valuable than human life?"Well, we all rely on the earth for survival and if the animals go, we go too. They are the canaries in the mine. The earth's ecosystem is easily disrupted with the butterfly effect. We are part of the earth's ecosystem as well. The butterfly effect will and does affect us also.You say -"I think environmentalist play up the victim mentality to fear people into thinking it is the end of the world."Then you go on to say -"I think the American family can not survive and I honestly do not see our country surviving much longer."That's a bit of having the doom message is okay for my side but not for the other side, don't you think?You say -"It is fine to say for us to look to other alternatives to replace oil. However, that puts a lot of individuals who work in the oil industry out of jobs."History is replete with jobs that have come and gone. New technology always brings new jobs. I started work as a typist in a typing pool. That was just over 40 years ago. Where are the typing pools today? Long gone. Most of the work force won't even remember them.You say -"Those who do have jobs can’t afford the new technology."It's quite rare for the 'average person' to afford new technology when it first arrives. In time they do. However, this is such a hugely important issue that it is up to governments to help ensure the new technology is not only developed but can be introduced widely.One more thing. Do you think the oil companies are going to 'just go out of business' when the oil runs out? I don't think so. Of course they want to continue to utilize what is 'relatively' cheap for them now, but they are working on, or already have alternatives. There might be changes, and a period of decrease in energy available, but even then it will be minimal. They are huge corporations, utterly focused on their own survival and have the megabucks to do so.Oh, and as for God putting the oil there - who put the apple in the Garden ofEden? Should Adam and Eve have taken advantage of it - because God put it there? And before you say, "He told them not to take it," let me just add: could there be a message from on high for us in the changing environmental conditions and our 'need' for the modern, capitalist lifestyle?' Something to ponder, don't you think?And, on a final but important and relevant note, the so-called 'ease' of drilling because the snow and ice is melting - isn't that a message in itself to STOP and take stock of what we are doing to 'God's planet' - our home which He provided?Just some things to think about.Cheers, HannahHannah-Thanks for commenting! I welcome your views although I think they are a little off base. I am not going to address all your concerns mainly because I just do not feel like arguing tonight. As for the oil companies, I live in Houston and I can tell you when oil is in crisis many lose their jobs. In the 80's, several homes were foreclosed on in a short time and may families were displaced. That is the reality. As for the animals, environmentalists don't let us eat those animals either. I am confused about the argument there. Being from Australia, I don't think you have a real grasp of our government. Our government would go broke providing new technology for everyone. I also think you don't really see all the suffering here with the current situation. It is different when you are face to face with it and actually suffering from it. It is late and I really do appreciate your thoughts and thank you for commenting!
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