senate Bill S. 1042
Banning the Exploration and Production of Oil and Gas Off the East Coast
Argument in favor
It would be an economic catastrophe if there was an oil spill on the East Coast that rivalled the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill. Banning all energy exploration and production eliminates the possibility of such an event occurring.
04/14/2016
"Ban offshore drilling. If we are serious about moving beyond oil toward energy independence, lowering the cost of energy, combatting climate change and cutting carbon pollution emissions, then we must ban offshore drilling. If there is a lesson to be learned from the 2010 BP oil spill disaster, it is that Congress must not open new areas to offshore oil drilling." [berniesanders.com]
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03/29/2016
We don't need to add the east coast to the long list of declining eco systems for the sake of a privileged few.
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03/29/2016
The future lies in clean energy sources, both economically and environmentally. Though the gradual termination of fossil fuel extrapolation and production will create job losses, the long-term benefits of the development of cleaner energy sources will drastically offset these losses. In addition, the dangers that fossil fuels pose to not only the economic health of the US, as well as the physical well-being of US citizens, is far worse than any dangers that the movement away from fossil fuels pose; if the US is to continue to use fossil fuels, there will be no economic burden to consider, nor a law that can be passed that would help the problem because the indefinite pollution of the environment will push it to such an extreme as to cause an equally extreme environmental event or series of events that will put the lives of all people at a serious, mortal risk.
Argument opposed
Banning oil production on the entire East Coast would close the door on significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation. A reasonable compromise would be to close off some areas to exploration while keeping others open.
03/29/2016
Let's try not to cut off huge amounts of natural resources through feel-good legislation.
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03/29/2016
Until there is no more need of fossil fuels, it is in the best interest of the country to use the natural resources we have been blessed with. To prevent future oil spills simply place higher penalties on companies that are negligent.
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03/29/2016
Driving sure beats walking. Until we find an alternative to petroleum, we might as well use it.
"Ban offshore drilling. If we are serious about moving beyond oil toward energy independence, lowering the cost of energy, combatting climate change and cutting carbon pollution emissions, then we must ban offshore drilling. If there is a lesson to be learned from the 2010 BP oil spill disaster, it is that Congress must not open new areas to offshore oil drilling." [berniesanders.com]
Let's try not to cut off huge amounts of natural resources through feel-good legislation.
We don't need to add the east coast to the long list of declining eco systems for the sake of a privileged few.
Until there is no more need of fossil fuels, it is in the best interest of the country to use the natural resources we have been blessed with. To prevent future oil spills simply place higher penalties on companies that are negligent.
Driving sure beats walking. Until we find an alternative to petroleum, we might as well use it.
The future lies in clean energy sources, both economically and environmentally. Though the gradual termination of fossil fuel extrapolation and production will create job losses, the long-term benefits of the development of cleaner energy sources will drastically offset these losses. In addition, the dangers that fossil fuels pose to not only the economic health of the US, as well as the physical well-being of US citizens, is far worse than any dangers that the movement away from fossil fuels pose; if the US is to continue to use fossil fuels, there will be no economic burden to consider, nor a law that can be passed that would help the problem because the indefinite pollution of the environment will push it to such an extreme as to cause an equally extreme environmental event or series of events that will put the lives of all people at a serious, mortal risk.
It is long past time to refocus on alternatives to fossil fuels--taking into account environmental risks & the economic risks of continuing on a path that can't be sustained for probably even 1 more generation. Americans are smart & creative!!! There is no justification for allowing ourselves to be defeated in the present by outmoded economic ideas. We all know this is folly. Let's get to work to create a future where the US still makes a difference. To continue in the current mode is to surrender our place in the world years before it is taken from us by other countries forward thinking enough to not allow it to happen to them!
We have more than enough fossil fuels already in reserves to destroy life as we know it through emissions. If all drilling stopped today, we would still be in danger of leaving our children and grandchildren with an uninhabitable world with no food and limited access to fresh water. What's worth more to you: short run economic benefit or the survival of the human race? I choose the latter.
Renewables and clean energy are important. But I don't believe an all out ban on exploration and drilling is an acceptable answer. I agree the economic argument doesn't mitigate the environmental risk. However, America and most nations will be heavily dependent on fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. Reinvest profits gained here in developing the green infrastructure we need.
It would provide jobs and lower gas prices to an extent. Should they do it all over the coast? Of course not. But placing them strategically would not ruin our view either. The economy can use all the help it gets.
In a normal society which supports capitalism, this would be a way to tax big corporations. First on lease payments, then a per barrel tax followed by various consumption taxes. Under all the various past administrations, it's a wonder any oil/gas company would tolerate the off-again or on-again drilling permits.
This bill should be considered an attack against this countries economy.
If people on the east coast have a problem then I'd like to see a petition or any kind of outcry from a reasonable amount of people. If they don't care then why do anything.
We don't monitor oil companies or hold them accountable. NO they don't get to keep destroying our environment
We need clean, renewable energy sources, period. Any effort to extract more fossil fuels is destroying our ability as humans to live on this planet. No more oil/coal/gas - all efforts need to be in building a renewable energy system!
If there is oil there is only one solution drill, baby drill. Get that horrible stuff and put it to use.
Banning this is too much. Should we be transitioning to clean energy? Yes. Do we need oil to aid us in the transition? Also yes.
We need to stop using fossil fuels and creating climate change.
The quest for oil, as history has shown us, will always create as many problems as it solves. It's time to consider that drilling for oil is a short-sighted solution that creates long-term consequences!
I believe we need to protect the oceans. We should be taking the time to invest in alternative energy not creating more potential ecological disasters.