This thread discusses the Content article: Energy policies


rile reader

Unfortunately, this letter is flat-out wrong. Opening up ANWR, the Gulf of Mexico, and S. Utah will not put OPEC out of business. In fact, even if we started drilling with no restrictions yesterday, there would be no significant amount of oil flowing from those reserves for at least 3-5 years - and that's an optimistic estimate. And, once that oil did start flowing, it would a) not all go directly to the US; it would simply enter the world market, and b) would literally be a drop in the bucket of our current levels of oil consumption.

These are cold, hard facts - I don't like them any more than you do, but check with the US Geological Service and the Congressional Budget Office (both objective, non-partisan organizations) to confirm these facts.

There is no way for us to drill our way to energy independence or lower fuel prices. It is literally impossible. Once we all accept this fact we can talk sensibly about our energy policy...but until then, partisan rhetoric and ideologically-driven nonsense will rule the day - and, as a result, we'll never make any progress.