Offshore Drilling Research Paper

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“Oil currently accounts for 37 percent of U.S. energy use — more than any other fuel source — and 94 percent of transportation fuel” (Primary Energy Consumption by Source and Sector, 2010). With more than one third of the nation’s energy being produced by oil, it would be ridiculous to want to limit or reduce the means by which it is extracted right? The issue concerning offshore drilling and its limitations has become an ongoing debate, causing two major sides, with opposing opinions to form. The argument of whether offshore drilling should be more strictly regulated has raised the question, how strict is too strict? The U.S. should not support strict limitations on offshore drilling because, abundant limitation of the use of offshore drilling …show more content…
With each stable offshore platform increasing in production, its growth in output would allow for the nation to secure its own use of energy supply, and limit the need for relationships with “unstable” countries. “Forecast oil supply growth projected substantial declines in oil imports over the balance of the decade with huge implications for energy security and the U.S. economy.” (4), as suggested by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (or IPAA). This observational data provided by IPAA, elaborates on how the growth of the production of oil within the U.S. would benefit not only the nation’s economy, but reduce the need on foreign suppliers. Rebecca Lefton and Daniel J. Weiss from Center for American Progress explain that “The United States is spending approximately $1 billion a day overseas on oil instead of investing the funds at home, where our economy sorely needs it.” (1) proposing that investing on increased oil production from offshore drilling platforms within the nation, instead of investing on foreign trade, would enable America to begin to secure and reduce debt in the …show more content…
Their claim and concern is valid, considering the catastrophic B.P. oil spill in 2012, but previous requirements on environmental protection and more intimate inspections of offshore platforms have been put into affect. “Other regulation was created that required “testing of safety devices prior to and when in use; more careful control of drilling and casing operations; prior approval of plans and equipment for exploration and development drilling; and new practices and procedures for installing and operating platforms” (Austin, 147). With new regulations of safety testing, it is more likely to prevent more accidental oil spills, and implements increased accountability amongst the oil

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