Editor's Note: This post originated on our sister publication BusinessandMedia.org.
It's not often that you can point to The Washington Post as the voice of reason, but the paper has its moments. One such was the August 12 oil drilling editorial that debunks three major "‘truths' masquerading as fact" about offshore drilling.
The piece, headlined "Snake Oil," showed how groups like the liberal Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) misconstrue the issue in their opposition to expanded drilling. The NRDC has recently taken out ads in the Post and other papers detailing its opposition to drilling - downplaying the amount of oil available offshore, claming existing leases are going unused and maximizing the environmental "danger" of drilling.
While the editorial argued against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) because it "should be preserved," the Post went on to explain why drilling offshore makes sense.
The paper explained how the estimates of 18 billion barrels of oil offshore are based on old measurements. Data from the Interior Department's Minerals Management Service (MMS) are out of date. In a similar situation, the Post wrote, the department estimated 9 billion barrels were beneath the Gulf of Mexico. "By 2006, after major advances in seismic technology and deepwater drilling techniques, the MMS resource estimate for that area had ballooned to 45 billion barrels."
That's a 400-percent increase. A similar rise would mean 90 billion barrels of oil are offshore.
The Post also disregarded the claim that oil companies don't use the leases they now own. "The notion that oil companies are just sitting on oil leases is a myth. With oil prices still above $100 a barrel, that charge never made sense," the paper wrote.
To tackle the claim that drilling offshore is bad for the environment, the Post went back to the MMS. "According to the MMS, between 1993 and 2007, there were 651 spills of all sizes at OCS facilities (in federal waters three miles or more offshore) that released 47,800 barrels of oil. With 7.5 billion barrels of oil produced in that time, that equates to 1 barrel of oil spilled per 156,900 barrels produced."
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So there's no "danger" to
August 12, 2008 - 14:33 ET by balboaSo there's no "danger" to the environment in drilling?
not that simple, but
August 12, 2008 - 14:55 ET by sarcasmoAt least in cases where there are verified oil seeps, which function a continual, albeit natural, oil spill, it sure would help if certain Democrats would finally remove head from ass...Oil seeping to the surface functions is a good sign of where to drill, if only to prevent further seepage and break even, but it would probably be profitable.
The problem is too much state control, as usual. If sarcasmo owned Anwar, for example, conservatives would not be bitching about whether or not I'm drilling there, because I would. But because we all own Anwar, nobody owns it, so we endlessly debate what to do as it's wasted. Same with the ocean floor, even though now we have GPS, the technology tailor made to solve this kind of "tragedy of the commons."
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
I was just intrigued by the
August 12, 2008 - 15:25 ET by balboaI was just intrigued by the usage of quotation marks around the word danger, as if there aren't any real concerns.
Concerns do not amount to
August 12, 2008 - 15:35 ET by bassndudeConcerns do not amount to "Dangers". Oil spills, any more are dealt with quickly and do not spread very far at all. It stays on top of the water, and with the new technologies is cleaned up pretty quickly, with little or no impact on aquatic life. The oceans naturaly clean up oil that is leaked from the bottom of the seas. And that is a substantital amount. Some 20,000 tons a year.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Wouldn't you agree that oil
August 12, 2008 - 15:53 ET by balboaWouldn't you agree that oil spills are a danger of off shore oil drilling?
I'm sure he would, which is
August 12, 2008 - 16:05 ET by FoolicanI'm sure he would, which is the exact point that he made in his post, which I hope you read.
No bal, they may be a
August 12, 2008 - 16:15 ET by bassndudeNo bal, they may be a hazard, but what do they hurt in these days? I just told you above. The biggest problem with modern oil spills is they cannot recover all of the oil. Some is lost due to the clean up. Oil spills dont get far from the source these days. The rigs are designed to minimize any loss and to contain and recover what is spilled. So no, I do not consider spills a danger. They pose no threat in the 21st century.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Natural Seeps Account for 63% of the oil in the Sea
August 12, 2008 - 21:34 ET by PopularTech- Over 4000 oil and natural gas platforms operate in U.S. waters with an outstanding environmental record (API)
- Platforms use sophisticated high-pressure valves that close automatically to prevent oil spills (API)
- Automatic fail-safe devices are installed in wells below sea level, protecting sea beds and sea life (API)
- Only 1% of all oil in the sea comes from drilling (EIA)
- Only 2% of all oil in the sea comes from ship or barge spills (EIA)
- 63% of all oil in the sea comes from natural seeps (EIA)
- Twice as much oil as the Exxon Valdez spill naturally seeps into the Gulf of Mexico every year (NASA)
Most Oil in Santa Barbara Channel Is Natural Seepage (The Wall Street Journal)
Scientists find that tons of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico each year (NASA)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
bal,the total of crude oil splls recorded, pale in comparison ..
August 12, 2008 - 16:08 ET by larry on LIto all of our everday release of raw sewerage into our streams,rivers, ,lakes and oceans not to mention the pollution from farm runoff. your hung up on the molehills and can't see the mountains!
Well I don't like that
August 12, 2008 - 16:12 ET by balboaWell I don't like that either, especially when people pump their farm run-off illegally into rivers and ponds and oceans, but the discussion was about oil, so...you know...I was focusing on oil.
Offshore Drilling is Environmentally Safe
August 12, 2008 - 21:32 ET by PopularTech- Over 4000 oil and natural gas platforms operate in U.S. waters with an outstanding environmental record (API)
- Platforms use sophisticated high-pressure valves that close automatically to prevent oil spills (API)
- Automatic fail-safe devices are installed in wells below sea level, protecting sea beds and sea life (API)
- Only 1% of all oil in the sea comes from drilling (EIA)
- Only 2% of all oil in the sea comes from ship or barge spills (EIA)
- 63% of all oil in the sea comes from natural seeps (EIA)
- Twice as much oil as the Exxon Valdez spill naturally seeps into the Gulf of Mexico every year (NASA)
Most Oil in Santa Barbara Channel Is Natural Seepage (The Wall Street Journal)
Scientists find that tons of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico each year (NASA)
California’s Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms Serve As Marine Protected Areas (Science Daily)
Research Shows Little Effect From Arctic Offshore Oil Drilling; Study Reveals Thriving Oceanographic System (Science Daily)
Studies Show That Rockfish Thrive With Offshore Platforms As Their Home Base (Science Daily)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
I know you'll find this hard
August 12, 2008 - 21:37 ET by balboaI know you'll find this hard to believe, PT, but I actually appreciate this info. Although the bit about the Exxon Valdez v. natural seepage is kinda pointless because the natural seepage doesn't happen all at once in a specific ecosystem.
(And my mom says she doesn't want to see oil rigs when she's standing on the beach :-) )
Tons of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico each year
August 13, 2008 - 06:44 ET by PopularTechScientists find that tons of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico each year (NASA)
"Twice an Exxon Valdez spill worth of oil seeps into the Gulf of Mexico every year, according to a new study that will be presented January 27 at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in San Antonio, Texas."
That is a lot of oil every year that naturally seeps into the gulf. It may not be all at once but it is every year.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
You don't understand
August 12, 2008 - 14:45 ET by jay_1975Look, the guy who acts like he is preisident, O'Carter said that drilling will do no good. Do not try to confuse the beliefs of liberals with facts.
Petrochemical company's
August 12, 2008 - 14:58 ET by ConservativeRexPetrochemical company's do everything in their power to minimize any kind of environmental issues, along with any safety issues involving their employees.
They have procedures in place for every contingency. Believe me, there is not one thing that has not been done or seen on an oil rig or gas well that is new. The employees receive the best training of any industry. These oil/gas wells are maintained by conscientious and motivated employees.
The response to environmental issues is immediate. They do their utmost to prevent any environmental issues. I would have to say that the self reporting to governmental agencies is second to none in the oil industry. Only the nuclear industry is regulated more than the oil industry.
And still, the oil industry provides a vital service to the United States and the world in an environmental sensitive manner, in a safe manner for their employees, and in a cost effective manner as possible. Most of the time in some of the most hostile areas of the world in terms of environment and political activity.
Advice Needed
August 12, 2008 - 15:10 ET by PurdueMattWhat to do when you have a very liberal psychologist father who constantly spouts the exact talking points debunked in this WaPo piece? My dad gets his news from NPR and Newsweek, so its probably hopeless. He always talks about the environmental risks to offshore drilling, that its a small amount of oil to be drilled, that it wouldn't impact prices very much, and that oil companies are sitting on existing leases for land they aren't drilling. When I present facts to the contrary he says my sources are slanted. My father even subscribes to the ridiculous idea that Exxon has windfall profits. Any discussion about profit margins is completely lost on him.
Any ideas or advice?
What to do?
August 12, 2008 - 15:20 ET by jay_1975Change the subject.
it's tough to pull an opium
August 12, 2008 - 15:46 ET by TruthMongerit's tough to pull an opium addict away
in cases such as yours I have often found success by simply agreeing to liberal assertions and following them along with supportive questions to their logical conclusions:
conservative viewpoints
in other words ask him the same questions you asked yourself to get to your opinions
maybe starting with "why won't I even wipe my a$$ with newsweek, let alone take anything in it seriously?"
understand your own views well enough and the rest takes care of itself
listen to Rush - and absorb - he can equip you
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
PerdueMatt...
August 12, 2008 - 17:44 ET by Clear thinkerIs it too late to change Fathers? Just kidding.
You probably have zero chance at convincing your Dad at this stage of his life, so here's my 2 cents worth...
Whenever your Dad makes one of these claims, calmly say "sorry Dad, but that's incorrect" and nothing else. If he does happen to ask you how you know it's not true, then answer him. Otherwise just let it hang there.
Now here's where you can make a difference... As you have children of your own, and then of course grandchildren, be sure to instill in your children the truth and encourage them to always seek the truth. While your at it, tell your kids that anything they see or hear on TV is nothing more than entertainment. Even the News shows.
BTW... Your Dad has done a good job of raising you. At least he brought you up in a way that allows you to seek the truth. So props to your Dad!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
I don't need 45 billion
August 12, 2008 - 15:58 ET by deerjerkydaveI don't need 45 billion barrels of oil, I just inflated my tires and got a tune up.
Thanks to Obama I now get four more MPG.
August 12, 2008 - 16:06 ET by Biff McCainI checked my tires, they were between four and 10 pounds short.
My $4 air filter was filled with crude, and I replaced it. I guess I'll give him the money I'll save.
I know how to win wars!
Great Biff!
August 12, 2008 - 16:22 ET by okiehawk44Now your paper route will be even more lucrative.
Come on now Biff. Crude in
August 12, 2008 - 16:43 ET by KarmaCome on now Biff. Crude in your air filter?
Karma, Lol-I think Biffy meant crud.
August 12, 2008 - 16:47 ET by R D HelmEither that or he drives around inside really big oil tanks. :-)
-Dave.
We are not going to save this country by being polite to those who are working tirelessly (and succeeding right handily) at destroying it.
I hope he replaces his oil
August 12, 2008 - 17:02 ET by KarmaI hope he replaces his oil filter when it gets filled with air. I guess by then it would be too late. Oh well. He still has his bike.
My guess is that his car
August 12, 2008 - 17:08 ET by bassndudeMy guess is that his car coughs and spits and sputters. A cloged air filter is a performance drain. Causes that pause when you floor it to pass that car only driving 70. My truck dont pause when you kick it, you just sit back and listen to it suck all that clean air in and the exaust rumbles out the CO2...
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
bass, I'm thinking Volvo 240, early-eighties vintage...
August 13, 2008 - 23:10 ET by R D Helm...that is followed by a huge cloud of blue smoke everywhere it goes.
Bet the ass-end is covered in SAVE THE __________ bumper-stickers, too. :-)
-Dave.
Drat, the dreaded NB double post strikes me again.
August 13, 2008 - 23:13 ET by R D HelmFor about the 437th time. :-(
You may have carbon-credit
August 14, 2008 - 07:36 ET by KarmaYou may have carbon-credit build-up in your hard drive, causing dieseling. Biff can probably tell you how to fix it. Good luck RD.
My guess is me meant
August 12, 2008 - 16:59 ET by BuffNBoneMy guess is me meant crud. Which is not to be confused with the game played around a pool table called arctic crud.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
I take my truck in every
August 12, 2008 - 17:04 ET by bassndudeI take my truck in every 2500 miles, like they recommend. Sometimes just 2000. Anyone that lets their car go longer than that without checking common sense things is nuts. Or inept, and should not be allowed to drive. I used to do my own oil changes and such, but find it easier to go have it done, walk across the street and have lunch while I wait.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Problem solved
August 12, 2008 - 17:01 ET by Indiana JoeDrill in Biff's air filter NOW!
OK. That's enough everbody.
August 12, 2008 - 17:05 ET by KarmaOK. That's enough everbody. Biff and the rest of you have brought me to tears.
Say "uncle," K. ;^)
August 12, 2008 - 17:11 ET by Indiana JoeSay "uncle," K.
;^)
Reading Biff's post there
August 12, 2008 - 18:43 ET by Ryan Mc.Reading Biff's post there might be a billion barrels to be had there.
You can't blame biff though, the liberal website he cut and pasted that from was the one that got it wrong.
No wonder you worship him...
August 12, 2008 - 17:08 ET by Indiana JoeIf you needed Obama to tell you not to drive on flat tires and to change your air filter occasionally, he must seem like a god to you. Four MPG, huh? Wow, you were just screwing yourself for... how long?
Unfortunately for O's plan, most of us do those things as a matter of course. It's called maintenance, and all machines need it. Most of us are smart enough to know that.
Drill in my back yard and yours.
August 12, 2008 - 15:58 ET by Biff McCainThe big boys at the GOP want to drill the beach at lib headquarters,
Fort Lauderdale; they never go there. It's an in your face, not mine,
thing.
Let's level the playing field, if ExxonMobilEnron drills the beach they drill Dunkin' Donuts parking lots too.
I know how to win wars!
Yes, they want to drill...
August 12, 2008 - 16:07 ET by FoolicanFifty miles offshore.
If you have telescopic vision, I suppose it would be somewhat of an eyesore, but...
Hey Biff, they are drilling
August 12, 2008 - 16:10 ET by bassndudeHey Biff, they are drilling in my back yard. So they should drill in yours to.
Ahhhh...I love the smell of crude in the mornings!
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Are you sure that isn't
August 12, 2008 - 17:12 ET by Indiana JoeAre you sure that isn't "crud?" ;^)
Your brain is crude, lets
August 12, 2008 - 18:44 ET by Ryan Mc.Your brain is crude, lets drill there. Win Win!
Questions
August 12, 2008 - 16:21 ET by SchnikeysDoes anyone else here suspect that the Post is simply trying to "defend" the new stance that Obama took on offshore drilling by making drilling more publicly accepted as "the right thing to do"?
Why would the Post, of all papers, suddenly adopt a pro-drilling platform?
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