Drilling Plans Mean Independent Energy

Today, President Obama proposed a plan to drill for both natural gas and oil on the eastern coastline of the United States. While supporters of developing independent energy sources back the plan, it has also received criticism from the environmentally conscious.

Aside from drilling on the U.S. coastline of the Atlantic, the plans include drilling projects around the eastern Gulf of Mexico as well as on the northern coast of Alaska.

Of course, President Obama has received criticism of his announcement from both ends. Some believe drilling for these sources of energy in our own backyard will only work towards providing the oil and gas companies with a profit. Others believe we are leaving much of our own resources untapped and should expand the areas in which we plan to explore and drill.  

So should we “attack” our oceans or continue to rely on foreign energy?

The extreme opinions that exist about this issue, coming from both sides, only make it more difficult for us to come to a clear and logical conclusion.   It would be nice if we could put special interest aside to logically discuss an issue that will affect both the future of the planet and the future of the country. 

President Obama did a nice job responding to these harsh critics. He said, “…this issue is just too important to allow our progress to languish while we fight the same old battles over and over again,” in reference to politicians in disagreement over special interests they individually find important. The President also said, “…what I want to emphasize is that this announcement is part of a broader strategy that will move us from an economy that runs on fossil fuels and foreign oil to one that relies more on homegrown fuels and clean energy.”

It’s important to keep in mind that we are working towards a broader plan. More energy is required to run this country than ever, so independence in that area is a major priority. We consume a massive amount of energy compared to the amount we produce, so changes like this have quickly become necessary.

Before the coastal areas are posted for sale, much work needs to be done. It will be many years before drilling actually begins. Once the newly opened areas have been investigated and proven to harbor oil, leases will be up for grabs.

Til then, things should settle down so the people and opinions on either side of this issue are somewhat pacified, but the political debate over drilling oil and the distraction of special interests will never really end.