Quote:
Originally Posted by aceventura3
What do you believe? The empty words in his speech or the actions of his administration? The empty words during his campaign or his empty words in the state of The Union Address? My point has been that Obama's empty words contain something for everyone, you can walk away having heard whatever you wanted to hear. He is masterful at it, but what does he really believe? Do you know?
|
I can't say I know as much as I'd like. In the Canadian media, I get a few reports of what goes on in American discussions and policy. I get the sense that Obama is taking a multifaceted approach that includes conservation, alternative energy solutions, in addition to these "tough decisions" on oil projects. There is also the issue of incentives for developing current projects more than they already have. The other issue, of course, is doing all of this during a recession. It's difficult to use incentives as a tool when companies and individuals are in defensive mode.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Derwood
Ending our dependence on foreign oil does not mean drilling for our own oil.
|
Although I'd say it might be a part of the solution, it certainly isn't the "crown jewel." There are a number of areas that can still be explored: development of alternative sources of energy (not just "green" energy, but, perhaps, natural gas, which remains grossly underused); new technologies for improved efficiency on the consumer, commercial, and industrial levels; investment and development of the oil sands in Canada (though "foreign," Canada is a far more beneficial trading partner than other foreign oil sources); and, of course, the maximization of current oil projects.
The focus I see on offshore drilling I think is shortsighted, considering everything else that tends to get overlooked. It's a good thing its not overlooked by everyone.