The Bush administration is reviving a 1980s plan to open Northern California coastal waters to offshore oil drilling, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. >>>>>>>>>> See: Map of California coast >>>>>
Read: Drillers eye oil reserves off California coast
Both of the nation’s coasts have been protected from any more offshore oil drilling since 1981. The ban ended this year after not being renewed by Congress. See: Gulf Coast States Mull Over Oil Drilling Ban
Proponents may have a crack at the 10 billion barrels believed to lie in California waters. This may be enough to supply the nation for about 17 months. Ever since high gas prices and unrest in the Middle East, oil companies and politicians have been clamoring for increased domestic drilling here on both coasts. The Republican party made it a rallying cry at its 2008 convention when current chair of GOPAC, Michael Steele, delivered the infamous, “Drill, baby, drill” line in his speech.
Here in California, residents have generally opposed drilling since the 1969 Santa Barbara platform blowout that leaked 3 million gallons crude oil killing dolphins, seals, otters and thousands of seabirds. See: History of 1969 spill
A recent poll declares 51% in this state are in favor of offshore oil drilling. Others fear increased oil spills and damage to environment. Incoming president-elect Barrack Obama hasn’t been locked down on an offshore oil drilling ban. He does prefer more investment in solar, wind and geothermal. He also believes nuclear energy can be better utilized.
