Obama Okays Limited Off-Shore Drilling, GOP Still Unhappy

Photograph of drill in the Port of New Orleans from the AP

Earlier today, President Obama announced that he would propose offshore drilling along much of the East Coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico and in parts of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. He said the move "is part of a broader strategy that will move us from an economy that runs on fossil fuels and foreign oil to one that relies more on homegrown fuels and clean energy," adding, "We'll protect areas vital to tourism, the environment and our national security." (See map.)

Obama campaigned on limited offshore drilling as part of a "comprehensive energy policy." The NY Times reports, "The new plan now grants one of the biggest items on the oil industry’s wish list — access to vast areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling. But even as Mr. Obama curries favors with pro-drilling interests, he risks a backlash from some coastal governors, senators and environmental advocates, who say that the relatively small amounts of oil to be gained in the offshore areas are not worth the environmental risks." Senator Frank Lautenberg (R-NJ) was unhappy, "Giving Big Oil more access to our nation's waters is really a 'Kill, Baby, Kill' policy. It threatens to kill jobs, kill marine life and kill coastal economies that generate billions of dollars."

And Minority House leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) also rained on Obama's parade, “Opening up areas off the Virginia coast to offshore production is a positive step, but keeping the Pacific Coast and Alaska, as well as the most promising resources of the Gulf of Mexico, under lock and key makes no sense at a time when gasoline prices are rising and Americans are asking ‘Where are the jobs?’”

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By Jen Chung in News on March 31, 2010 2:27 PM

Comments [rss]

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Very disappointed in Obama's decision here, what a sell out. Don't think I will come out and vote for him. Let the GOP vote for him since Pres. Obama kisses their asses

yakatori

If you took two seconds away from sucking animal dick you'd realize how stupid you sound.

Jesse

The GOP should shut the fuck up. If you want oil dig in your own fucking backyard and stop making a mess all over the planet. Us your own fucking resources!

Troy

Here's what I don't get. When it comes to energy, conservatives are crazy about two things: nuclear power and offshore drilling. Now Obama has agreed to both. But does he seriously think this will 'help win political support for comprehensive energy and climate legislation'? Wouldn't he be better off holding this stuff in reserve and negotiating it away in return for actual support, not just hoped-for support? What am I missing here?"

-Kevin Drum, Mother Jones

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/31/obamas-offshore-drilling_n_520412.html#s77383

Time to out this fake democrat, more conservative then Clinton more Pro business then Bush...scandalous.

Mr. Shankly

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...

John_Matrix

this is a pretty political move by obama. he just drove a stake into the 'drill baby drill' dimwits at the heart of the gop. while maybe throwing a little cash and jobs at the red states. and what alternative do the liberals have?

it's a dick move now, but it may pay off in 2012. and in the 2nd term it's gay sex and baby killing time!

MT

Republicans = irrelevant

hotstepper

the erudite bitches on the NYT comment section are funny. its as if they only heard what they wanted to hear during his campaign (big surprise).

obama has the distinct ability to piss off cry babies on both sides of the aisle. he must be doing something right.

Ishtar

This here about says it all.

Also, shouldn't we be more concerned with replacing non-renewable fuel sources right now?

yakatori

The other day my young nephew was throwing a hissy fit and I told him he didn't stop acting like a republican I wouldn't take him for ice cream.

harrisgraber

The Republicans are a party of whiners. They will never be happy unless they are running the show.

Papercutninja

The Republicans are a party of whiners. They will never be happy unless they are ruining the show.

Fixed that for ya.

Cautious Pessimist

In this case, they mean the exact same thing.

MFer

Senator Frank Lautenberg (R-NJ)

Should be (D-NJ)

Papercutninja

Meh.

Kojak

As expected. Obama knows full well that Oil prices will skyrocket in the next few years under his Presidency. He doesn't want to be seen as not having the foresight to acknowledge & attempt to tackle this.

And the Republicans obviously won't give him much praise, especially after the health care reform. If it was a republican president doing this, they would've spunked their shorts in glee.

Politics as usual.