The Issues

With the current American dependence on oil, off shore drilling could become the newest plague on our nation. New developments in technology mixed with concerns over energy resources are driving the American public to ignore the environment. In this upcoming presidential election we must band together as a people and make smart empowered choices about what will power our lives.

The temptation to allow more off shore drilling is growing. Methane hydrates, a form of ice full of methane gas, could come into play to fix energy concerns. Methane hydrates are found on the floor of the ocean in various global locations. The USGS questions the stability of the seafloor under conditions where mining of methane hydrates would take place. The EPA reports methane to have over 20 times the power of carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Currently, the US is entered in a partnership with Japan for development of this fuel supply. Japan has already begun to start mining methane hydrates. Japanese officials are already concerned over how the mining of this gas will affect their fishing industry. Other concerns stem from this issue over the concept of a ”Methane Burp” which is a massive release of methane caused by either warming of the surrounding ocean or physical disturbance. While methane hydrate may hold a large amount of energy, it is unwise environmentally to focus on them.

Other forms of offshore oil drilling hold equal amounts of problems. Oil has proven itself time in and time out to be irresponsibly handled causing ecological disasters. The spilling of an Exxon Valdez oil tanker in 1989 began a change in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act which extends today to bar further leasing of land to be used to drill upon. Besides simple man-made accidents, off shore drilling is also effected by “acts of god” as environmental issues. The US Minerals Management Service reported over 6,000 barrels of oil being spilled during the 2005 hurricane Katrina. Because of the relief crisis at the time it was hardly reported by the news that over 741,000 gallons of oil were spilled. Three years late, in 2008 hurricane Gustav caused at least 33 spills. Sure off shore oil is accessible, but is it really worth the cost to the environment?

Senator Obama’s campaign on energy does seem fairly environmentally friendly. Obama’s web site states that if elected he plans start using hybrid plug-in cars, make sure that 10% of our energy comes from renewable source by 2012, and eliminate oil imports from the Middle East and Venezuela. Obama has shown in the past that he votes and works on legislatures that benefit the environment by encouraging cleaner power. Obama has also voted against expanded drilling in the gulf of Mexico while stating that more efficient energy uses would be more important. In 2008, Obama did change his view on off shore oil drilling. While previously being against drilling, Obama admitted that he would accept it as long as it was involved in plans to more energy independence. It is quite possible that due to the current drop in oil prices that Obama would not support off shore drilling anymore.

Senator John McCain also has environmentally friendly plans, but McCain still has a large focus on oil products. McCain’s website describes how he wishes to expand domestic natural gas and oil, break dependency on foreign oil, promote clean coal technology, and increase usage of nuclear power. Critics question some of McCain’s policies, like forcing automakers to build more fuel efficient vehicles, as being things the American people are already doing. Other critics have explored how McCain’s energy policies seem to set himself up not to be known as a “third term Bush”. McCain has also stated that part of his energy plan includes drilling off shore for oil to help relieve oil dependency. McCain made a change to promoting the idea of off shore drilling. Originally he was against the drilling, but he claimed that drilling would help lower the price of gas.

Currently both candidates support the lift on the ban of off shore drilling. McCain has been known to misinform voters about the environmental dangers associated with offshore oil drilling. While Obama is no prince here either, I would say he has the better energy plan. Obama seems to have a better focus on renewable energy while McCain seems to still be stuck on different forms of oil. It would be selfish for me to tell you to go out and vote for one of these candidates purely because they have leaned one way or another in the past on energy issues, but think about how you truly feel about their plans.