Flip Flops - depends on your background

[volinbham]

Unless you feel you've already considered them.

That said, I hear what you're saying. So what happens if Virginia starts drilling and it affects NC waters, e.g. Who's responsible then?

I assume that's similar to Louisiana/Florida or soon to be China (Cuba) and Florida (50 miles). The experience of the Gulf is pretty strong evidence that offshore drilling can be done with very low risk of spillage.

Offshore drilling is being dismissed out of hand by most on the Dem side and the reasons seem pretty weak. Many on the Republican side are not trying to prevent alternative energy but see more domestic production as a legit piece of the puzzle.

In short, I haven't seen a compelling reason given to maintain the Federal ban on new production. Surely it has to be acknowledge that environmental safety has improved in the near 30 years since the ban.

 

[TennNC]

I assume that's similar to Louisiana/Florida or soon to be China (Cuba) and Florida (50 miles). The experience of the Gulf is pretty strong evidence that offshore drilling can be done with very low risk of spillage.

Offshore drilling is being dismissed out of hand by most on the Dem side and the reasons seem pretty weak. Many on the Republican side are not trying to prevent alternative energy but see more domestic production as a legit piece of the puzzle.

In short, I haven't seen a compelling reason given to maintain the Federal ban on new production. Surely it has to be acknowledge that environmental safety has improved in the near 30 years since the ban.

My inclination is that I don't want the east coast to turn into Galveston. It's disgusting. But I know very little about the particulars and am keeping an open mind.

Just saw this in today's N&O - an interesting perspective from someone who sees offshore drilling as perhaps an aide to protecting NC's wetlands. Don't know if he's being influenced by other factors, but here's the article:

newsobserver.com | Royalties and restoration

 

[volinbham]

My inclination is that I don't want the east coast to turn into Galveston. It's disgusting. But I know very little about the particulars and am keeping an open mind.

Just saw this in today's N&O - an interesting perspective from someone who sees offshore drilling as perhaps an aide to protecting NC's wetlands. Don't know if he's being influenced by other factors, but here's the article:

newsobserver.com | Royalties and restoration

Interesting. I wish the Dem side would likewise keep an open mind. Lifting the Federal ban doesn't guarantee that any state will actually drill. Not lifting it guarantees they won't. It is political stubborness IMHO.

I wonder if Galveston has more to do with all the refining and production activity right in the area as opposed to the offshore activity. Other than the spill in the 60s, offshore activity in California certainly hasn't had the same impact.