GOP staking out offshore drilling as major campaign push

[DogPoundPup]

Source: McClatchy Newspapers

ST. PAUL — You might be forgiven for concluding the mantra of the Republican party is "Let's drill!''

From President Bush's televised remarks at the GOP convention to the plastic ID tags the delegates hang around their necks, offshore energy exploration appears to be a top priority.

In fact, "energy independence and lower gas prices'' outrank both "building a strong economy and secure nation'' and "fiscal accountability'' on the cheat sheet of "Republican Pocket Principles'' some delegates wear on lanyards.

With polls suggesting that voters may be increasingly receptive to lifting the ban on offshore drilling, the GOP believes it has a winning strategy — even in Florida, which has long been viewed as staunchly opposed to offshore oil and gas exploration.

Sarah Palin's selection as John McCain's running mate has served to underscore the significance Republicans are putting on opening new areas to energy exploration. As governor of Alaska, Palin championed opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling — something even McCain has opposed.


Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/51671.html

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MEANWHILE: US Senate Democrats push bipartisan drilling bill

WASHINGTON: Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate will push a bipartisan energy proposal that would allow for some expansion of offshore drilling when Congress returns next week from a five-week recess.

A spokesman for Sen. Harry Reid, leader of the Senate's Democratic majority, said Wednesday the plan would allow Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to opt into leasing programs starting 50 miles (80 kilometers) off their shores. The spokesman said the idea now has the support of 16 senators, eight Democrats and eight Republicans.

The proposal, which has not yet been introduced as legislation, also would lift a ban on drilling off the Gulf coast of Florida, invest $20 billion on developing petroleum-free motor vehicles and extend expiring tax credits for renewable energy.

It is expected to face opposition from lawmakers in both parties. With Congress planning to meet for only three weeks before recessing again for the November election, its prospects are dim.

Many Republicans, including President George W. Bush, would like to see the moratorium on drilling lifted along the entire Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Some Democrats are unlikely to support any measure that would include increased offshore drilling.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/04/america/NA-US-Senate-Energy.php

[Arctic Dave]

1. We are already drilling offshore in Alaska,

so why haven't the prices come down? Oh, thats right, its total BS.

[lib2DaBone]

2. Fine..let's drill....

But make a law that all oil drilled in US must be sold here first... BEFORE expensive Imported Crude is brought in. New oil rigs will have to use 'Made in America' steel, American workers and American parts. (No chinese parts)

[AlbertCat]

6. Made in America

New oil rigs will have to use 'Made in America' steel, American workers and American parts. (No chinese parts)

***************

Let's start a whole "new new deal" to upgrade the country's entire infrastructure, creating jobs and business opportunities for Americans!

Someone told me there are like 2 companies that make the tankers that are especially designed to get oil off off-shore rigs and they are backed up for the next 10 years. Also, the companies that make oil platforms are also rare and backed up like hell. Where is all this new stuff gonna come from? And when?

And that doesn't even touch on the subject of refining and getting crude outta the ground in the 1st place.

[MrModerate]

3. While I'm personally opposed to the "let's drill ourselves out of this mess" approach . . .

Because it just won't work on so many levels, I believe Obama has already defused that issue with a noncommittal "we'll look into it as a part of comprehensive energy reform."

Not sure why the 'Licans expect to gain much traction there.

[Bozita]

4. GOP puts oil companies before people. ... So, what's new?

[AlbertCat]

5. Thanks GOP!

Thanks for another idea in a long line of ideas that A) don't work and B)only enrich the oil companies.

Don't call us. We'll call you.

[BearSquirrel2]

7. They are for LEASING ... not DRILLING ...

The Democrats are for DRILLING. It is Democrats who have proposed "Use it or lose it" laws regarding millions of acres of leases already out there. In addition, Democrats are for a broad range of energy proposals to mitigate our need for oil from ANY source.

Republicans are for increasing the portfolios of the big oil companies and actually keeping oil OFF of the market!!!!

[LeftHander]

8. As Hurricanes line up one after another....

GOP wants to push for more off-shore oil drilling.