Gulf Oil Spill Causes Shift in Opinion on Environment vs. Energy Production

Oh really Mr. Expert.

So pray tell, what is the process that these evil oil corporations have to go to before they can even drill a well on private lands that they have already paid on average $600 per acre (most wells today are initially 640 acre-spaced) to even have the opportunity to drill anyways?

Do you know anything about it? Clearly not... If you did, you would know that the oil and gas industry is by far the most environmentally conscious, safe, regulated, responsible industry in the United States.

But that would require you knowing even the basics about it, so I guess we are at an impass here - you refuse to educate yourself with facts before calling the people who provide you with your comfortable life little demons - and I refuse to put up with your ridiculous accusations. Somethings gotta give...

Yes tmtee4four, it will, because what you don't seem to realise is that over 1/3rd of our oil (including imported oil) comes from offshore developement.

What you also fail to realise is that besides the new shale plays on shore, pretty much all major oil fields on land have been discovered and developed (except for those that are too precious to the migrating herds of wildlife in alaska).

What you also fail to realise is that "renewable" energy sources are not efficient and not plausible to take over any significant form of our energy product. Nor do they in any way shape or form meet the demands and requirements for transportation and physical products like those listed above.

So, in essence, we will either destroy the driving force of our own economy and INCREASE imports (thought you progressives were all about energy independence? Nah-that must have just been a claim to sound like you were center or in line with the right on a few things) or we will see such things as I have mentioned take place.

Sorry but the truth hurts sometimes doesn't it? Well-I guess you'd have to acknowledge the truth for it to hurt so in your case I'm not sure it's ever hurt.

There are alternative cosmetics, foods etc. that already don't use petroleum products. Some of us have - for many years - been researching ingredients and companies specifically to avoid petroleum products. And we are healthier for it. There are already many alternatives to petroleum products in everyday household goods, too, made by conscious small American companies who need your support, rather than the giant multinational oil companies.

In addition, we need to catch up with other countries who are already moving beyond petroleum addiction.

Learn all the pseudonyms for petroleum products and avoid them whenever possible. They're toxic in you cosmetics, your food and your environment. Here's a good place to start http://www.ehow.com/how_5736635_avoid-petroleum-based-products.html

Minimize driving gas fueled vehicles...hopefully American car companies will soon offer many more electric cars.

With just a little research, you can avoid many petroleum products.

Shopping is political. Vote with your dollars.

No, alternative energy will be more desirable again. Too bad Reagan destroyed our opportunity for clean fuel that Carter had in place. Geothermal, solar, wind and tides are the way to go! Burning fossil fuels will kill us all - and for what - GREED!

When gasoline prices increase to over $5.00 per gallon, intelligent people will support alternative and renewable energy sources, so that we do not have to primarily depend on ONE source for our energy needs. If the price increases for oil and we produce more oil, with the increased consumption from developing markets like China and India (which are HUGE), the oil we produce will have little to no impact to lower the cost of oil. We will STILL pay the (high) global market price. However, when we diversify to natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, and other alternative and renewable energy sources, we will certainly be at an advantage- regarding cost and especially regarding our national security (not having to buy energy from unstable suppliers and our enemies).

tmtee4four

Your ignorance is shown again!

"Record high profits" needs to be looked at in terms of a little economic indicator called "rate of return".

Considering the "rate of return" of the average oil and gas company is pretty much the same as the "rate of return" of the average "x-industry" (as in any industry) company, what "record profits" means is that the reason they are making "so much money" is because they are doing something called "investing" a lot of money.

By your logic, because of thier ROR, every successful company in the world, even silly things like Crocs (the shoe) are making RECORD PROFITS!!! and are therefore GREEDY! EVIL!!!

Learn basic economics before you cry like a little baby about other peoples success... in other words, abandon your progressive mindset and embrace reality.