Official U.S. plan for offshore drilling expected on Monday

Some months back, we ran a posting which indicated that the area near Bristol Bay, Alaska may be open for offshore drilling for oil in the near future, and that there were certain groups who were opposed to the plan. Well, if this story interests you, keep your ears open on Monday, because that is when the U.S. Interior Department is expected to detail its official plan for oil and natural gas drilling through 2012. You may remember the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster; this spill occurred very near to Bristol Bay, which is one reason that the government was not drilling there. In addition, areas off the coast of Virginia and Florida in the Gulf Coast are expected to be added in this plan.
As a side note, were you aware that oil drilling royalties were the second highest source of income for the government, behind only taxes? While not surprising, I didn't know that. There certainly is a lot of money in oil, and this is just another reminder of that truth.
[Source: Yahoo News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kyle 9:03PM (4/29/2007)
The Exxon Valdez was nowhere near Bristol Bay. It was in Prince William Sound.
It amazes me that people will report on something with such a bad understanding of the geography. There are two large mountain ranges/land masses and a thousand miles separating the two.
The reason for the opposition to drilling in Bristol Bay is that it is such an important fishery.
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Murc 12:02AM (4/30/2007)
I'm all for it...the more oil being drilled for, 2 things that I like to see heppen.
1. the gas price goes down (which happens when supply surpasses demand)
2. Less American money goes overseas.
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Bill Teel 12:11PM (6/06/2007)
Drill earth first and the other planets later. Get over it, allow drilling in all areas of the US. I bet all that complain of drilling in there areas drive autos, use electrical power,& enjoy all the benefits the petroleum industry furnish from clothes to food.
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