Jul 15, 2008 7:44 pm US/Eastern
Offshore Drilling Takes Center Stage In Gas Debate
Reporting
Adam May
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Everyone is tired of high gas prices, but figuring out how to drop them has America split. The most controversial plan calls for more oil drilling off the coastlines.
Everyone is tired of high gas prices, but figuring out how to drop them has America split. The most controversial plan calls for more oil drilling off the coastlines.
In a Pumpwatch special report,
Adam May examines both sides of the issue.
Right now, most of the gas we put in our cars comes from the Middle East. Now oil companies and President Bush hope to change that by looking at the bottom of the ocean.
Consumers fed up with gas prices are demanding action. President Bush says the answer is to stop importing 60 percent of our oil and increase domestic production. Bush signed an executive order Monday, hoping to expand offshore drilling.
"The only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action from the U.S. Congress," Bush said.
Right now, offshore drilling is only allowed in the western gulf of Mexico and Alaska. If Congress approves Bush's plan, each coastal state would get to decide if they'll approve drilling offshore. In Maryland, Governor O'Malley opposes it.
Most experts say offshore drilling wouldn't have any affect on prices for at least a couple of years, and the price difference would only be a few cents per gallon. Then, there's also environmental concerns.
Will Baker with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says even if Maryland never allows drilling, Virginia might. An accident would be devastating.
"The whole Chesapeake Bay is vulnerable to problems related to oil and gas drilling. The bay has so many issues we don't need to add this one to its woes," said Baker.
Offshore oil accidents are rare. It's been 39 years since this major one in Santa Barbara, Calif. The risk splits drivers looking for relief.
"I think if we research right, we can do something to take care of pollution. If we can fly a plane and go to the moon, they can do it," said driver Leston Alen.
"I'd like the gas prices down, but I want to protect the environment, too," said driver Ryan Souder.
Many economists say increasing mileage standards and improving public transportation would be a quicker, more effective way to reduce the demand for oil and drop gas prices.
The first President Bush banned offshore drilling in 1990, citing environmental concerns.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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