Will the BP Gulf oil spill have positive effects?
It’ll help us get the oversight and regulations we need to drill in exotic/unique locations. We’ve been drilling on land and in shallow water for so long that we’ve taken oil extraction for granted. It’s time we admitted that some drilling has a whole lot more risks and needs more oversight. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll get America going on alternatives. After the gas crises of the 1970’s everyone was with Carter and his plan. Then gas became plentiful again and everyone lost interest. Same thing happened after the Exxon Valdez. Americans don’t have the will to carry through with the programs unless they’re inconvenienced. In the mean time, both India and China are taking the lead in lowering their carbon footprint (20% by 2020) and in developing alternatives. The US doesn’t seem to think it needs to be a world leader in this area.
