White House Bans Offshore Oil Drilling for Seven Years

[sabrina 1]

Some more good news today.

No Offshore Drilling For Seven Years

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that it would not propose any new oil drilling in waters off the East Coast of the United States for at least the next seven years.

This announcement is a complete reversal of an earlier plan revealed just weeks before the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The March 2010 plan would have authorized officials to explore potential for drilling from Delaware to central Florida, plus the northern waters of Alaska, according to MPR News.

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Since the BP oil spill, residents and politicians in Gulf Coast states, as well as environmental protection organizations, have been begging the Federal Government to reconsider its plans to pursue expanded offshore drilling.

Never give up. Although this is really great news, it doesn't stop the drilling in Alaska.

The seven year ban does not affect oil company plans to drill in Alaska's delicate Beaufort and Chukchi seas despite the fact that there is currently no technology available to clean up a catastrophic oil spill in the icy Alaskan waters.

edited to add some more information on how this came about:

Obama Administration: No Offshore Drilling In Eastern Gulf Of Mexico Or East Coast For Seven Years Because Of BP Oil Spill

The administration had backed a major expansion of offshore drilling earlier this year, in part to gain support for comprehensive climate legislation in Congress, one of President Barack Obama's top legislative goals.

With that bill now off the table, the president stands much to gain politically by saying no to powerful oil interests, particularly in Florida, which is expected to be a crucial swing state in the 2012 election campaign.

It seems the President expected support for his environmental legislation if he allowed drilling. I now believe he realizes that was a mistake and that he was badly advised when told that oil rigs were a lot safer today than when the ban was put in place. Good for him for recognizing that and doing the right thing.

The fight will go on to protect the environment. However, this IS a huge victory and definitely something to celebrate, as the article says.