If the energy lobby wanted oil drilling in the US, could they get it?

[ck4829]

RW'ers often say the price of gas is up so high is because environmentalists don't want drilling in the US.

Is this actually a valid argument?

Does anyone REALLY think that environmentalists are the Goliath, while the energy lobby and the energy corporations are David?

If they really wanted drilling in the US, they would probably get it done in no time at all, right?

[NMDemDist2]

1. they are drilling all around here, the only slow down is the lack of drilling rigs

they are booked months in advance......

[Tom Joad]

2. heh, this is funny. you don't think there is oil drilling in the US?

and depending on the place, enviros don't mind at all.

[Liberal In Texas]

3. You may not have any oil wells in Ohio, but believe me, there are tons in Texas. n/t

[hlthe2b]

4. Wow... where have you been the past 6 1/2 years...?

In fact there have been a whole series of articles about how the Repugs are losing the West because of their cronyist behind-the scenes deals with Big Oil to open up exploration against the wishes of the states... They just do it and the people be damned.

[ThomWV]

5. Horseshit

They drill just about anywhere they want as it is right now. They can't get into the Alaska National Wildlife Area and there are some states that won't allow drilling in sight of their beaches but other than those two relatively small restrictions there are very few places where they haven't been able to drill to their heart's content.

[The2ndWheel]

6. When it's needed, it will be gotten

Until then, both sides will put up a good fight. A win here for that side, a win there for this side. However, when the needs of the economy, state, business, production, etc, actually require what is being fought over, there will be a definite winner and loser. As in game over, go home.

[IDemo]

7. By "in the US", I presume you mean ANWR and coastal Florida

Oil production in the lower 48 peaked as expected in 1970, but not because of environmentalists or a lack of exploration.

[nightrider767]

8. More drilling in the US is a horrible idea

Friends don't be fooled. If they open up Alaska and offshore Florida it will only bump up our production levels a couple percent, while enriching oil companies and not lowering the price at the pump at all. Even if you're not concerned with the possibility of environmental damage, we get nothing back. You may think that the Arctic national preserve is an unused wasteland today, but in the future who knows? Look at places like the Florida Everglades. We used to think that is was useless swamp. But years latter, left protected it's recognized as one of the natural wonders of Florida.

Oil is truly the root of most of the evil we see in the world today. From wars, terrorism to pollution.

Wake up America, let's set a ten year goal so that no car built after that point, or imported, will burn gas.

How much good would that do?

New technologies would have to be developed. A nice little thing to jump start our economy.

Less pollution.

Middle East? They'll no longer be able to hold that axe over our collective heads.