4/20/10: "The Obama proposal permits exploration... but oil companies ... cannot drill."

[Clio the Leo]

I thought perhaps a review was in order.

The Obama proposal permits exploration, meaning that oil companies can pay for expensive seismic surveys but cannot drill. On the basis of such surveys, the Minerals Management Service could eventually open promising tracts for bids by national and international oil companies. Winners would then apply for permits and wait indefinitely — often years — for authorization to begin drilling, with no guarantee of success.

Neither the proposal nor the MMS press release mentions how close to shore exploration could occur. Certainly, the federal government would not intrude on the three-mile strip legally controlled by each maritime state. Within 10 miles, drilling platforms might be visible to beachgoers, but moving the line out to 100 miles would remove the most potentially productive areas from exploration, effectively thwarting the discovery of new oil and gas reserves. Silence regarding the limits for exploration seems ominous.

Equally troubling is the continued exemption of most of Florida's coasts.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100420/OPINION03/4200323/1008/OPINION01/U.S.+must+get+serious+about+domestic+oil+production

[freddie mertz]

1. Yes, it was a very bad proposal.

Probably (HOPEFULLY) going nowhere now.

[Enrique]

2. thanks for giving the oil industry's perspective

you don't get that very often at DU.

And yeah, they tend to focus on how difficult the federal regulations make things for the oil companies.

[Clio the Leo]

3. "how difficult the federal regulations make things for the oil companies"

... glad that we finally agree. Didn't think that would ever happen. ;)

[Klukie]

4. I gather your point is that this particular oil spill has nothing to do with Obamas proposal....

Because he did not give permission to drill...only to explore. Noted distinction.