Offshore Oil Drilling

Offshore oil drilling has been banned off the east and west coasts of the United States since the 1980’s. It was originally banned for a number of reasons. One of these is environmental. There is a danger of oil spills with these rigs. That would negatively impact the underwater ecosystem. There is also an argument that changes in temperatures and sound waves caused by the drilling interferes with some marine life.

The other issue with offshore oil drilling has been the view from the shore. People argue that the oil platforms are an eyesore. Many of the areas where drilling would take place are prime shore real estate and vacation areas. People don’t want to see rigs from their hotel balconies. But it has been shown that at the distance the rigs float or stand from the shore, they are beneath the horizon even from the tops of the tallest buildings near the shore.

Some people want to lift this ban on offshore oil drilling. They point to the horizon fact with that eyesore issue. They also point to the fact that there have not been any major offshore rig oil spills. The danger to the environment remains a potential danger. It has not been realized. Why, they argue, should drilling be blocked by a what if?

Some people have chimed in on the offshore oil drilling debate. One man from Florida wrote: Who wants to look at an oil rig? Right now we have a nice view of the ocean from our apartment. And there are hotels where people want to see ocean, not big metal rigs. Keep them away from here. A possible reply to that is ignorance is bliss. Somehow this man and all those hotel visitors would be able to see beneath the horizon. That’s an amazing feat.

Another person wrote about offshore oil drilling: We need oil, what don’t folks get about that? The environment won’t be destroyed. And unless you plan to fly over with an airplane or helicopter, you won’t see them. Give me a break. A reply to that one is: We all need a break.

Our cars run on oil, many products we use are made with oil. Increased offshore oil drilling is an important part of obtaining that oil as well as natural gas. Join the debate.

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