Offshore Drilling Ban to be Lifted by Bush

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Alex

I don't really buy into the argument that the drilling would be any serious wildlife threat. I just don't think it is necessary so there's no reason to change protections on Federal lands.

For any state owned lands (be that in Alaska or offshore) I'd support lifting any federal restrictions and leaving it to the states involved to make their own decisions.

I don't think drilling is a direct threat to wildlife (they certainly aren't going to plant a drill right over a den or nest). I think the effects of the drilling will cause problems. The heat from the equipment can change the microclimate. The people who are now in a formerly unpopulated area will bring with them trash and perhaps disease that the animals have never been around. The vibrations in the ground; what are the effects of those on the subterranean organisms? What happens if an animal attacks or threatens a worker? Does the animal get killed because it's now a threat to the human population in the animals habitat?

If the ANWR could produce enough oil to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, then maybe, maybe I would have a different opinion. But the 4% reduction in importing that the drilling will bring in is not worth the risk.