This article announces, as the title suggests, Obama's new, and very controversial, policy that includes placing additional oil and natural gas platforms in waters along the Southern Atlantic coastline, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Part of Alaska. President Obama claims that his decision is part of a broader strategy that also includes expanding the production of nuclear power and clean energy sources to "move us from an economy that runs on fossil fuels and foreign oil to one that relies more on homegrown fuels and clean energy" in attempt to strengthen the economy in the short run and long run.
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I can't admit that I'm too thrilled with the President's modification to this ban. Though I feel that it is important to focus on strengthening our economy, and bringing jobs and money into this country, I don't believe that it should come at the risk of disrupting a natural ecosystem. I mean, aren't there other ways to strengthen an economy aside from tampering with off-shore oil drilling? There is an abundance of marine life beneath the surface that needs to be considered. Because oil is such a powerful substance; and powerful substances mean money; and money means power; and people want to have power power- they are constantly prioritizing based on the need and desire for this power. This action by our President is just another prime example of how we are a society that relies far too heavily on material things or products for happiness. Consumption can be considered the blood in our veins; which is something that is going to have to change, and soon, if we wish to have a planet to live on.
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I also think that Obama's attempt to pair his remarks on the new policy with other energy proposals were an attempt to hide his true intentions. Sure, it's great that 5,000 hybrid vehicles were ordered for government fleet, but that doesn't make up for the fact that you are tampering with the natural environment, which in my opinion, is something that never truly provides long term benefits. Not to mention that off-shore oil drilling is not aesthetically pleasing for local residents and beach visitors. The government needs to find other ways for strengthening the economy, and the president needs to set a good example for the people of his country so that we can all learn to live more sustainable lifestyles.
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Ultimately, I don't think that this was a smart decision on the President's behalf for the sake of the aquatic wildlife swimming beneath the ocean's waves. Supporting my speculation, the following link will direct you to a website that lists oil spills and disasters that have occurred throughout the world:
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001451.html
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