Why did Obama think the Arctic was environmentally sensitive but not the Gulf of Mexico?

[Karmadillo]

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/obamas-drilling-speech/

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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 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 new 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.

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These pictures suggest he was pretty clueless on the issue. Maybe politicians who govern for the oligarchy aren't capable of being guardians of the environment.