Name: Alex
Blog Posting #2
Topic: Science/environment
Title: Obama reverses oil drill expansion after BP spill
Writer: Karin Zeitvogel
Publication name: Yahoo.com
Date of publication: Dec 2, 2010
length:~650 words
Main Idea:
On Wednesday, President Obama reversed a decision to expand off shore oil drilling to the Atlantic ocean and eastern gulf of Mexico. However he still allowed deep sea drilling in the gulf where the oil spill happened. the move banned oil drilling in new areas until 2017. there were mixed reaction among the states hit by the oil spill. Florida said the decision would safeguard the areas tourism and fishing industry. Louisiana, on the other hand disagreed saying it is a major step backwards for energy security. Texas Congressman John Culberson gave it the thumbs down saying that it would harm the economy by raising energy prices. Also the Natural Resources defence council says that the move did not go far enough because it left the door open for drilling in the arctic and allowed seismic testing in the Atlantic, both of which are harmful to the environment.
Conclusion:
President Obama reversed a decision to expand offshore oil drilling in new areas until 2017. states hit by the oil had mixed feelings about the decision. some say it was a good decision, while others say that it could harm the economy. One group said it did not go far enough because it left too many doors open for drilling elsewhere.
I disagree with what Obama's decision to ban oil drilling in new areas until 2017. In a time where the economy is trying to recover why risk hurting economic progress. I believe Obama should have instead proposed that new, stricter safety regulations on oil drills are required by law so as to avoid another oil spill, but still allow new drilling sites to be built.
ReplyDeleteI can see why there is a big controversy over Obama's decision to ban oil drilling in new places. It is beneficial to the environment because it would avoid any oil accidents in previously unaffected places. This helps the environment and much of the wildlife that has a potential of being affected by the oil. On the other hand, the banning of oil drilling can negatively affect our economy. We want to be moving forward with technology and economy, not taking a giant step backwards. Ideally there should be a compromise that involves new methods for drilling with a much lower probability of oil accidents.
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