In 2006, As Congressman, Bobby Jindal Sponsored Bill Lifting Offshore Drilling Ban! Way To Go Bobby!

[TomCADem]

Here is another ongoing media cover-up. The media continues to give Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal a platform to complain about the lack of safeguards and environmental damage caused by the gulf oil spill. BUT, the media does not do any examination of the stands of either Palin or Jindal. Palin, of course, was famous for her drill baby drill battle cries during the 2008 election.

As for Bobby Jindal, he should take a deep bow for sponsor the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (H.R. 4761), a bill to eliminate the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling over the U.S. outer continental shelf. Yet, do a google search, and you will find no stories mentioning this important fact. Indeed, all you find is Jindal listed innocuously as a sponsor. So, perhaps we ought to name the spill after gulf drilling proponent, Bobby Jindal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Jindal

In 2006, Jindal sponsored the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (H.R. 4761), a bill to eliminate the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling over the U.S. outer continental shelf. A poll taken while the bill was being debated, showed that 73% of the U.S. public supported the measure. Jindal argues that 30-40% of oil reserves of the United States are near the Louisiana coast and increased drilling would reduce American dependence on foreign oil.<109> This prompted the watchdog groups, Republicans for Environmental Protection as well as the nonpartisan League of Conservation Voters to rate him among the lowest in Congress in 2006.

Of course, after becoming governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal continued to cheer lead for more offshore oil drilling:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Environment/Developmental-Issues/Bush-lifts-offshore-drilling-ban/articleshow/3236372.cms

Bush lifts offshore drilling ban

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush has lifted a White House ban on offshore oil drilling and urged lawmakers to follow suit amid an election-year fight over painfully high gasoline prices.

"The American people are watching the numbers climb higher and higher at the pump, and they're waiting to see what the Congress will do" about legislative prohibitions, he said in a brief statement in the White House Rose Garden on Monday.

* * *

A late-June poll by CNN found that 73 percent of the US public at least mildly supports increased offshore drilling, while 27 percent at least mildly opposes it. The error margin was plus or minus three percentage points.

Under the 1981 federal moratorium, states are prohibited from allowing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration, protecting virtually the entire Atlantic and Pacific coastlines and sections of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Governor of oil-rich Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, welcomed Bush's announcement.

"Louisiana produces 30 percent to 40 percent of the nation's oil and gas off our coast. It is certainly good for our economy ... It is also good for the nation," he told Fox News.

[dgibby]

1. He and Obama have something in common.

How nice for them. Talk about politics making strange bedfellows!:grr: :puke:

[TomCADem]

6. Wrong - ABC News - "Jindal Contrasts McCain/Obama Energy Proposals"

Once again, DUers either are falling for the corporate media spin or are engaging in the spread of falsehoods. Here is Jindal himself attacking Obama's reliance on energy efficiency, rather than focusing on energy production. Heck, as noted below, Jindal even argued that McCain was not sufficiently pro-drilling!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/jindal-discusse.html

The Louisiana Governor also criticized Obama's energy plan. He said McCain has a comprehensive approach to solving America's energy problems while Obama "wants us to inflate our tires."

But Jindal acknowledged that he differs with the presumptive Republican nominee on certain energy policies. The two were on opposite sides of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Jindal supported the bill as a Congressman. McCain voted against it saying it was "full of goodies and breaks for the oil companies."

Jindal defended his vote, citing the money designated to restore and protect Louisiana's coast.

"As a Congressman from Louisiana we had several good reasons to support that bill. Both Democrat and Republican members did," Jindal said. "There were many provisions of that bill that were important for Louisiana, absolutely defendable, especially the money for coastal restoration."

Do you want to respond and defend Jindal again?

[girl gone mad]

14. What Obama said on the campaign trail..

and what he did once elected were two different things, unfortunately for the Gulf.

[TomCADem]

17. What Obama Said On The Campaign Trail Was That He Supported Increased Exploration...

...But he emphasized that it is not sufficient to meet our energy needs. As Republicans attacking the President's March annouoncement noted, he only allowed exploration. During the campaign, candidate Obama said that he would be willing to compromise on his position against offshore oil drilling if it were part of a more overarching strategy to lower energy costs. Well, as President, what did he do?

He made his March announcement as a quid pro quo offer in return for support for a comprehensive energy bill with increased support for alternative energy sources.

Once again, why set up straw men? The honest debate is whether it was right or wrong to agree to consider oil exploration in return for support for a broader energy bill. Thus, misstating the nature of Obama's positions does not really promote this debate.

[dgibby]

21. Where in anything I posted did you get the idea I was defending Jindal?

I was referring to the fact that both he and Obama are on the same page about lifting the ban on off-shore drilling and exploration.

You want to re-read my original post? Jeez!

[Sebastian Doyle]

2. Too bad Jindal gave up the Hindu faith he was raised in

He might have acted more responsibly if he would have thought Karma would come back to kick him in the ass.

Don't be so sure it won't, Piyush. I'm no Hindu, but I believe we get paid back for bullshit one way or the other.

[TomCADem]

3. Bumping In Light Of A DU Thread Applauding Jindal For His Leadership! LOL!

The amazing thing is how even DUers can buy into the corporate media narrative, and fall for the propaganda showing Jindal as somehow protecting Lousiana from damage from the oil spill. Sorry Bobby. Louisiana is screwed. Worse, Bobby is a long time advocate of the drilling that lead to the disaster and was the sponsor of the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act.

Of course, if even DUers can fall for the corporate media propaganda that elevates Bobby Jindal to hero status, then it is no wonder that folks like Rand Paul and Sarah Palin can be serious contenders for national office.

[Bluebear]

5. What's your take on Obama's announcing expansion of offshore drilling on 4/1/10?

[TomCADem]

8. My Take - He Supported Exploration, Not Drilling, As Noted By Republicans If You Recall

I think that Obama's stand on oil drilling has been largely distorted, then distorted once again. The fact is that Obama only supported initial exploration. In other words, is there oil even there to being with? See below.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-energy-security-andrews-air-force-base-3312010

So today we’re announcing the expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration, but in ways that balance the need to harness domestic energy resources and the need to protect America’s natural resources. Under the leadership of Secretary Salazar, we’ll employ new technologies that reduce the impact of oil exploration. We’ll protect areas that are vital to tourism, the environment, and our national security. And we’ll be guided not by political ideology, but by scientific evidence.

That's why my administration will consider potential areas for development in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, while studying and protecting sensitive areas in the Arctic. That’s why we’ll continue to support development of leased areas off the North Slope of Alaska, while protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/science/earth/01energy.html

On the other hand, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called Mr. Obama’s proposal “a step in the right direction, but a small one that leaves enormous amounts of American energy off limits.”

Mr. McConnell also sought proof that the drilling would ultimately be permitted. “Will the administration actually take concrete steps to finish the studies, approve the necessary permits, and open these areas for production?” he said in a statement. “Will they stand by as their allies act to delay the implementation in the courts?"

House Republican Leader John Boehner also criticized the plan for keeping the vast majority of America’s offshore energy resources off limits at a time when, the Ohio representative said, Americans want an “all of the above” strategy for promoting American energy production and creating American jobs.

[Bluebear]

11. Here's the phrase that REALLY bothers me:

"but in ways that balance the need to harness domestic energy resources and the need to protect America’s natural resources"


How the hell do you "balance" the need to protect our resources?

[TomCADem]

12. I Agree. It Is Mistake For Obama To Try Get Votes On Cap and Trade, But...

You have to agree that Obama's continuous message is the right one: We can't simply rely on more oil exploration as the solution to our energy problems. People love to distort Obama's stands by saying that he is no different than McCain and Palin, but if you recall, they ridiculed his reliance on promoting energy efficiency.

It is easy to take an absolutist view, but 70 percent of Americans supported expanding offshore oil drilling when gas prices were zooming through the roof. If Obama took the hardline that you ask for, he would not be President. Instead, we would have President McCain and Palin.

So, to answer your question, we continue to use oil and explore for oil, but we really do need to put more of a focus on alternative energy sources and energy efficiency. The stimulus bill has funnelled and unprecedented amount of money to such soucrs, and the approval of a wind farm off of cape cod shows that the Obama administration is serious.

[gateley]

7. Yes, we're just dumb fucks. What's important now is not what he said/

supported previously, but taking a step to stop the destruction that is occurring NOW.

I guess our priorities are different.

[TomCADem]

10. You Are Right. He Is What He Said. Here Are Republicans Saying He Did Not Actually Allow Drilling

I think that Obama's stand on oil drilling has been largely distorted, then distorted once again. The fact of the matter is that Obama only supported initial exploration. In other words, is there oil even there to being with? I know that some folks are against any oil exploration, let alone actually allowing drilling. Conversely, Republicans are not satisfied until the landscape is littered with oil platforms.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-energy-security-andrews-air-force-base-3312010

So today we’re announcing the expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration, but in ways that balance the need to harness domestic energy resources and the need to protect America’s natural resources. Under the leadership of Secretary Salazar, we’ll employ new technologies that reduce the impact of oil exploration. We’ll protect areas that are vital to tourism, the environment, and our national security. And we’ll be guided not by political ideology, but by scientific evidence.

That's why my administration will consider potential areas for development in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, while studying and protecting sensitive areas in the Arctic. That’s why we’ll continue to support development of leased areas off the North Slope of Alaska, while protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/science/earth/01energy.html

On the other hand, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called Mr. Obama’s proposal “a step in the right direction, but a small one that leaves enormous amounts of American energy off limits.”

Mr. McConnell also sought proof that the drilling would ultimately be permitted. “Will the administration actually take concrete steps to finish the studies, approve the necessary permits, and open these areas for production?” he said in a statement. “Will they stand by as their allies act to delay the implementation in the courts?"

House Republican Leader John Boehner also criticized the plan for keeping the vast majority of America’s offshore energy resources off limits at a time when, the Ohio representative said, Americans want an “all of the above” strategy for promoting American energy production and creating American jobs.

[gateley]

28. I thought you meant Jindal - didn't realize you meant Obama. I'm confused.

See? Told you I was a dumb fuck! :7

[TomCADem]

30. Here Is Jindal Attacking Obama For Not Going Far Enough To Support Oil Drilling

It is my pleasure to clear up the confusion. Jindal was even more pro-drilling than John McCain:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/jindal-discusse.html

The Louisiana Governor also criticized Obama's energy plan. He said McCain has a comprehensive approach to solving America's energy problems while Obama "wants us to inflate our tires."

But Jindal acknowledged that he differs with the presumptive Republican nominee on certain energy policies. The two were on opposite sides of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Jindal supported the bill as a Congressman. McCain voted against it saying it was "full of goodies and breaks for the oil companies."

Jindal defended his vote, citing the money designated to restore and protect Louisiana's coast.

"As a Congressman from Louisiana we had several good reasons to support that bill. Both Democrat and Republican members did," Jindal said. "There were many provisions of that bill that were important for Louisiana, absolutely defendable, especially the money for coastal restoration."

[gateley]

31. Okay -- got that, but my original (snarky) post was that regardless of what Jindal

supported in the past (and may still), he's taking action now to actually do something. The important thing is the Gulf and surrounding areas. Time for politics later.

[TomCADem]

32. Jindal Was The Poster Boy Of American Petroleum Inst, Now He Fills A Sandbag, And He's Okay?

This what I keep on responding to, the number of DUers engaging in false equivalency, by trying to suggest that Obama and Jindal's positions on off shore oil production are identical, which they clearly are not based on Jindal's own repeated attacks on Obama's energy policies, and vigorous advocacy of offshore oil drilling. Likewise, Jindal has always spoken forcefully in support of the oil and gas industry:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/03/news/economy/gustav_fallout/index.htm

Of the 32 Gulf coast refineries, 13 remained completely shut down Wednesday morning, and 10 were operating with reduced capacity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The decline in refinery operations has resulted in about 5.6 million barrels per day in reduced gasoline output.

As a result of the the loss of Gulf production, oil refiner Citgo requested a 250,000 barrel loan from the 707 million barrel U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which was approved by the Energy Department late Tuesday.

Though Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal requested that the Energy Department open up the SPR to all companies, the request was refused, and the government said it would deal with SPR loans on a company-by-company basis. Thus far, no other companies have requested an SPR loan, according to the Department of Energy.

Though much of the undamaged Gulf of Mexico infrastructure will return to operability in the next few days, sites without power may not resume full operations until next week, according to Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman at MMS.

Market unconcerned
But the oil market didn't flinch much at the fact that 26% of total U.S. oil production as well, as about 15% of U.S. refining capacity remains shutdown.

Also, Jindal is now staying conspicuously silent as private business tries to push a bill designed to limit the ability of state funded legal clinics to pursue environmental litigation:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/05/tulane_environmental_law_clini.html

The Louisiana Chemical Association appears to have an uphill battle in its effort to shut down the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. But that won't stop the organization from getting its moment in front of the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday as one of the legislative session's most controversial proposals gets its first and, most likely, last public hearing.

Since 1989, third-year Tulane law students at the clinic have represented clients in lawsuits against chemical companies, landfills, energy companies and other industries. Among other issues, the cases have dealt with wetland protections, zoning and permitting issues, and violations of environmental regulations on clean air and water. LCA chief Dan Borne and Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, say those torts are job killers, and they cast Adley's Senate Bill 549 as a reasonable way to put a stop to excessive litigation damaging to the Louisiana economy

The bottom line is Jindal is even to the right of John McCain on offshore oil drilling let alone Barack Obama.

[pitohui]

37. as far as i can tell jindal is doing fuck all

i haven't heard anything to indicate that anyone thinks he's a hero or that he's done anything at all

your phrase "conspicuously silent" seems right to me, frankly

[gateley]

39. No, I'm not saying he's okay, I'm saying what he's DOING is good. My eye is on

the oil mess. Right at this moment, I don't care who takes action. It's the end result I'm applauding - not Jindal.

[TomCADem]

41. Jindal's Environmental Appointees Are From The American Petroleum Institute!

There is a complete media blackout on Jindal's tight relationship and extreme advocacy on behalf of petroluem producers dating back to his days in Congress. Even now, who is serving on his enviromental commissions? Members of the API. From Jindal's own website:

http://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=newsroom&tmp=detail&articleID=53

Governor Bobby Jindal Announces Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Appointments & Director of Community Programs

Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced the reappointment of Earl King to the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in addition to the appointment of Stephen Sagrera to the commission. Also today, the Governor announced the appointment of Natalie Robottom as Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Programs.

* * *

Earl P. King, Jr., of Amelia, has been the owner and president of King Trucking, Inc. since 1967. He is a member of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, the Louisiana Motor Truckers Association, and the American Petroleum Institute. He has a bachelor’s of science in marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi.

[Scurrilous]

40. LOL

:thumbsup:

[Feron]

26. I may not like his politics,

but I support Jindal 100% if he is serious about dredging without permission from the feds. And any other action that helps minimize the damage.

I live in the NOLA area and the BP gov't have done everything to slow down and screw up the clean up. People here are angry and getting angrier as time drags on.

It must be nice to have the luxury of worrying about politics.

[Cleita]

4. It's seems he now has regrets for his POV and decisions.

I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt right now and am hoping that he is actually putting politics aside to fulfill his duties as Governor. We will know in time, how sincere he is about doing the right thing.

[Swamp Rat]

9. Jindal is actively trying to mitigate this disaster.

There will be time enough to criticize him later on, but he is doing the right thing right now.

[Cleita]

13. I believe so too, and

quite honestly, this is the wrong time to drag out the past, when what is needed is real bi-partisan cooperation, not the phony type that Congress does, but everyone getting together to come up with solutions to this tragedy regardless of political affiliations. We are all in this together.

[Swamp Rat]

19. I agree, but I would add that we need non-partisan cooperation

Some of us have not really internalized this yet, but we are all in this fishbowl together.

The reality of the gravity of the disaster has yet to take hold in the minds of many of our fellow Americans. When it does, they will forget about petty politics and concentrate on survival. I saw this happen with folks here in New Orleans after Katrina.

[Cleita]

20. I like your metaphor of the fishbowl.

I think this would bring it home to a lot of people. Photoshop opportunity?

[TomCADem]

33. Really? Will Jindal Now Oppose Efforts To Restrict Law Clinics From Pursuing Environmental Lit?

Maybe Jindal has seen the light. Maybe he will oppose the bill discussed below. Maybe, in light of BP's ineffective response to the oil spill, Jindal will abandon his crusade to privitize state services?

http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1202458112680&Chemical_association_escalates_attack_on_Tulane_over_law_clinic&hbxlogin=1

Louisiana lawmakers have yet to debate legislation that would rein in law clinics around the state, but an industry group backing the legislation isn't waiting to play hardball.

The Louisiana Chemical Association has urged members to impose "recommended sanctions" against Tulane University, whose environmental law clinic is the primary target of the proposed bill. In a memorandum sent to its 61 corporate members, the association advocated that they stop making donations to the university, stop matching employee donations to the school and curtail recruiting there.

"This bill is the culmination of years of frustration with Tulane and its support for its environmental law clinic not only on the part of the chemical industry but other business and chamber groups as well," the association wrote. "The Board of Directors voted to actively engage the clinic by targeting Tulane itself, which gives cover to its out-of-state, student want-to-be lawyers and their job killing lawsuits."

The association also suggested contacting Tulane donors and telling them that environmental law clinic intentionally stirs up lawsuits, and enlisting the help of Gov. Bobby Jindal, the Chamber of Commerce, the state's congressional delegation and others to oppose the clinic.

[Cleita]

34. This has nothing to do with the oil spill.

Keep your red herrings somewhere else. As Swamp Rat has said, let him do his job and judge him after this emergency is over.

[TomCADem]

38. Nothing? Jindal Sponsored H.R. 4761, Which Eliminated the Moratorium on Offshore Oil Drilling!

This was way back in 2006. In 2008, Jindal gave McCain political cover by pushing an even more aggressive pro-off shore oil drilling position than John McCain himself, let alone Barack Obama. In 2009, in responding to Obama's congressional address, Jindal once again pushed for more oil exploration AND criticized the expenditure of federal funds for disaster preparedness. As for the legal clinic, the Tulane legal clinic is being limited precisely because it attempts to enforce environmental laws against private companies.

Am I missing something? How is this all a red herring? Jindal is getting a complete free pass despite his repeated assurances that offshore oil drilling was safe, and his long time advocacy of such drilling. Jindal did not merely vote in support of such drilling. He sponsored the bill ending the moratorium.

[TomCADem]

15. Odd That You Attack Obama In Another Post, Yet Defend Jindal In This Thread...

When Jindal clearly has been one of the most forceful advocates for expanding offshore oil drilling. The post you respond to suggests that Jindal has seen the light. Really?

I have looked for current news stories about Jindal expressing regret for his sponsorship of the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act. Oddly, I can't even find a single current story regarding Jindal's sponsorship of this bill. Isn't that a bit off?

You say that we should lay off the criticism of Bobby Jindal in this thread, yet accuse another poster "You seem to care more about Obama's image than our funeral." I am just trying to understand the inconsistency in your treatment of Bobby Jindal, one of the strongest advocates offshore oil drilling over the past few years.

[Swamp Rat]

18. Nothing odd about it. I am at the scene of the crime, and politics are out the window.

Maybe if you were here with me and Bobby Jindal, watching the oil destroy your environment, you would forget about petty politics.

[TomCADem]

22. So, It Is Okay To Be Petty With Respect To Democrats, But Jindal Gets A Free Pass?

"Maybe if you were here with me and Bobby Jindal, watching the oil destroy your environment, you would forget about petty politics."

Well, that sounds like good advice. Perhaps more DUers can take it, rather than take cheap potshots at folks who try to post information without comment regarding the current status of government efforts to combat the oil spill:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8401352&mesg_id=8401352

If Obama is going to get raked over the coals for merely allowing oil exploration, not drilling mind you as noted by Republicans, then it is only fair that Jindal be asked about his long time vigorous support for increased offshore oil drilling, as well as his repeated insistance that such oil drilling was safe.

Once again, Bobby Jindal was to the right of John McCain on this issue as noted above. Yet, you want give Jindal a free pass? Also, remember Bobby Jindal's vigorous criticism of the use of federal stimulus money for disaster preparation?

This is not pettiness. This Bobby coming face to face with his long history of support for offshore oil drilling, and his opposition to increase the funding for the federal government to deal with such disasters.

[Swamp Rat]

23. How about you come down here and help us build barrier islands instead of complaining?

[dgibby]

24. Touche, Swampy!

I just found out my great,great nephew and his wife, who live in NOLA, are expecting their first child in Oct. I'm very worried about the air quality/contaminants, etc, and the effect on the fetus. Wish they could get out of there, along with everyone else in harm's way. :hug:

[Swamp Rat]

27. This is a real and present danger.

I just got off the phone with a colleague (we work together as environmental assessors), who is on call (he has more hazmat training - I work more with multispectral imagery) for the EPA to do air quality monitoring. We were going to go down to Grand Isle tomorrow, but the air is becoming toxic. The oil is moving into Barataria right now, headed through the marshes south of NOLA (about 30 miles south of where I live). When it gets closer, folks may need to be evacuated.

:hug: for you and your family.

[dgibby]

29. Thanks so much for the info.

If you don't mind, I'd like to send this to my nephew. God, this is so depressing.

:hug: to you and your loved ones, too.

[TomCADem]

16. Delete Dupe

Dupe

[WeDidIt]

25. And there's a DIRECT LINE

from that bill to this disaster.

[pitohui]

35. much as i dislike jindal you must realize that this position v. popular in louisiana

democrats and republicans alike in louisiana, as have most of the common people, have traditionally been strong supporters of the oil industry and off-shore drilling

it is one of our most valuable resources, our complaint was not that we opposed oil or drilling for oil, but rather we opposed having the oil taken with no fair sharing of the profit with the state and its people--we should have been one of the richest of the states instead of one of the poorests, if we had received a fair cut of the revenue over the years

people do appreciate the jobs and opportunities provided by the oil industry, it isn't like jindal just got this wacky idea all by himself

i always thought drilling for oil here preferable to getting our soldiers killed in foreign wars to only partly secure oil reserves over there and i don't think this a particularly odd opinion

this disaster is a true tragedy, but what's been done to iraq by war is also an environmental, cultural, and human tragedy, so i don't know what to tell you

i don't see how in good conscience a person can pretend to be against foreign wars over oil resources and also resist drilling/using our own resources...

as for any posts pretending that jindal is doing anything to mitigate this disaster, that's just...odd...i've seen or heard nothing to indicate that he's doing anything or that he CAN do anything...he declared a state of emergency and closed some fisheries, but that isn't him doing anything, what? do people think he's a wildlife and fisheries officer now? that's him reading a piece of paper handed to him by people doing the real work...

[Blue_Tires]

36. ttt