Barack Obama opened the door to offshore drilling on Friday, saying, "My interest is in making sure we've got the kind of comprehensive energy policy that can bring down gas prices. If, in order to get that passed, we have to compromise in terms of a careful, well thought-out drilling strategy that was carefully circumscribed to avoid significant environmental damage -- I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done." Obama said he backed a new compromise energy package that was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators on Friday; it calls for some new offshore drilling as well as increased investment in clean energy and a push to reduce oil consumption.
On Monday, Obama is outlining a "New Energy for America" plan, which aims to provide an "energy rebate" to taxpayers, create 5 million new green jobs, and eliminate dependence on Mideast oil within a decade.
John McCain said on Friday that new offshore drilling could add to the U.S. oil supply within months, saying he heard it straight from the mouth of oil company executives -- even though the federal Energy Information Administration and other energy experts say opening new offshore areas wouldn't significantly affect prices or supply for years.
Congress adjourned for an August recess on Friday without passing any energy legislation, despite lots of big talk about fighting high gas prices. Democrats tried to push through measures to curb oil-market speculation, release some oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and extend tax credits for renewable energy, but Republicans blocked all the bills because they didn't clear the way for additional oil drilling.
source: Reuters
see also, in Gristmill: McCain says he trusts Big Oil over energy and economic experts
see also, in Gristmill: Congress goes on recess without passing energy legislation
Cautious optimism for Copenhagen deal as Barcelona climate talks end
Another coal plant bites the dust
Barcelona outcome: White House strategy is plea for more time
Comments
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Wolverine Posted 5:50 pm
03 Aug 2008
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BlackBear Posted 7:19 pm
03 Aug 2008
Vote however you like, I can't see that it'll make much difference.
- This message was brought to you by the companies that by politicians.
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John former Marine Posted 9:43 pm
03 Aug 2008
I guess there's just the assumption among politicians that the automobile is going to be around forever and that everybody, everywhere wants cheap gas. So he's screwing the people who bought efficient vehicles to support the SUV-drivers?
Who exactly is his political base? People who don't like Bush? He doesn't have much going for him environmental-wise.
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Chris McMasters Posted 1:35 am
04 Aug 2008
This debate on drilling is so stupid. The power is up, in the sun, not down, in oil, coal and uranium.
The fact that politicians even consider this is ridiculous.
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earlysnows Posted 2:11 am
04 Aug 2008
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Pathos Posted 4:03 pm
04 Aug 2008
Or any drilling.
That said, I don't think Obama was selling out to the enemy, so much as making a compromise he feels he has to make in order to get something done.
Obviously, it's not a good compromise.
Best answer? Hope the entire thing stalls till January, and support green-leaning Congresspeople--of whatever party--so they can pass a bill that actually does the good they want to do, without senseless baggage like offshore drilling.
And whatever we think of the compromises he's made--and they are many--our best hope for a President that won't force them to water down that bill is... Still Obama.
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mtvyfan Posted 2:20 am
05 Aug 2008
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mtvyfan Posted 2:28 am
05 Aug 2008
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Wolverine Posted 5:11 am
05 Aug 2008
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