Article Blog 13: Offshore Drilling and Modern Technology (April 18, 2010)

For decades now, America has been debating whether or not to partake in offshore drilling as a means to solve America's dependence on other nations for oil. In the article, "The Conversation: Is it Time to get Beyond the Santa Barbara Oil Spill? No," (see link: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/18/2685021/the-conversation-is-it-time-to.html) Richard Charter explains that even with safe, modern technology there is still the possibility of damage in case another oil spill occurs. Many environmentalists continue to oppose this idea of offshore drilling that has been supported by three consecutive presidents. Charter writes, "Offshore drilling accidents and related oil spills happen with alarming frequency throughout the world, despite modern, "safe" drilling technology." Charter, along with many other Californians, wants to protect California's shore from harmful drilling operations and industrial development.

The impact of technology, along with the need for other oil resources, has increased the decision to lobby for offshore drilling practices. Technology in America has continued to improve in all facets of life. Granted the last major oil spill was over forty years ago in Santa Barbara, there are still mixed emotions about whether or not it is time to move on from the past and rely on technological advances to resolve America's oil problems. In the article, "Offshore Oil Drilling Might Make Environmental Sense," (see link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/01/AR2010040102800.html) Eric Smith writes, "In 1969, we had many reasons to fear offshore oil drilling. But in the past four decades, offshore oil has become far safer, and our country faces new environmental risks. The real question about drilling off our coasts can be settled by due diligence: How much greenhouse gas is release into air when we drill for oil along our coasts, and how much is released when we import it?" Smith supports offshore drilling as he believes that the necessary technological advances are ready to be put to the test. Here are two contrasting articles on whether offshore drilling should put its technology to the test. With new technology, there is always reasons to forget the past and move on. Whatever the decision is, whether or not to drill offshore, will greatly impact society. If the decision to not drill offshore is the answer, then environmentalists will be satisfied, but Americans will still be left with this ongoing problem of have to rely on other nations for oil. On the other hand, these new technology methods have proven to be more environmentally friendly and by America having its own source of oil, the economy and many other aspects of American life would greatly benefit.