Domestic oil drilling: I say call their bluff

[LuckyTheDog]

The Democrats are missing an opportunity here to look offer the kind of compromise the American people are looking for.

OF COURSE the GOP is playing games when they tell people that domestic drilling can give them lower fuel prices. That’s especially true when they imply that those lower fuel costs would come soon.

But that said, we need to call their bluff here. In doing so, we might actually get something done.

Democrats should tell the Republicans that they are willing to talk about LIMITED off-shore drilling far from shore (say, 75-100 miles out) but only under certain conditions. Here are some of the conditions we could ask for:

-- Tough energy efficiency standards for lighting and appliances.
-- Higher CAFÉ standards for cars.
-- Mandates requiring utility companies to generate a percentage of their power from renewable sources.
-- New tax credits for energy-efficient vehicles and tax penalties gas hogs.
-- Tougher environmental standards for oil drilling in the U.S.
-- Funding for a massive program to develop alternative energy sources and the infrastructure to deliver them.

If the GOP balks at a compromise along these lines, the fault ill lie with them. If they accept, then we’d be in a position to be pretty tough when them in terms of getting the kind of energy policy we want.

Either way, Democrats would benefit from having taken the high road.

[Ian David]

1. See this thread about the oil rigs damaged and destroyed during Katrina and Rita...

REMINDER: Katrina oil spills may be among worst on record (113 offshore platforms destroyed)
Topic started by IanDB1 on Jun-19-08 09:51 AM (13 replies)
Last modified by underpants on Jun-19-08 03:10 PM
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=3482695

[kevinmc]

2. All Bush has to do is an Executive Order and it's Open for Drilling .....

they need to tell him sign one or shut the fuck up.

[Gold Metal Flake]

3. Yeah. That would be politics 101.

Too bad the Democratic party seems to have forgotten how to play the game. Are you in a position to run some community college classes? :semi-serious and therefore sad but still kinda joking smiley that is, after all, in agreement with your post:

BTW, lets not tell the American public about all the offshore drilling rigs I passed on my drive up highway 1 along the California coast. They might get the idea that the republicker meme/lie of the "ban on offshore drilling" is not real. (sigh)

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. I don't think the Monkey King will sign such a bill - even if Republicans in the Congress send it up

especially the part about higher fuel efficiency standards for cars, tougher environmental standards for drilling, and tax penalties for gas hogs. The Chimp signing statements would basically re-write the bill. But probably more likely is that he would veto it. I agree with you that Congress should study areas offshore that might allow for drilling with less of an environmental impact due to more recent advances in technology. But even if Republicans go for it, that certain charmingly simian halfwit in the White House won't.

[tavalon]

5. But you see, it's a bluff so they look bad no matter what

Our Dems don't remember how to play the game, if they ever knew.

[B Calm]

6. How about on the condition it sold here, unlike the oil from Alaska that's

right now being sold to China.

[Subdivisions]

7. Also, the oil under ANWR is contracted to Japan. If they drill,

we won't see it here in the Lower 48.

[Thothmes]

13. Believe that Japan is the largest

buyer of Alaskan Oil.

[Froward69]

8. Agreed

I would add to that a provision to increase refining capacity. when the Oil companies do not follow through, to lower prices via more supply. then the rethug position gets exposed. the truth is the Oil companies do not want to lower prices. no matter what is done the price fixing will continue. repubes will have no explanation as they will not admit GREED.

[The2ndWheel]

9. I don't see that as calling their bluff

You set the limits and certain conditions under which you call their bluff? Where is the risk to you if they show their cards?

Calling their bluff would be to set no limitations or conditions to drill for oil, and seeing what happens when the drilling starts. That way, your risk is having no habitat left, and their risk is looking like jackasses with no habitat left. You can't set the rules in your favor, and then act like you win when they don't play.

[vssmith]

10. I read that they already have vast offshore leases

that they are not drilling. I would tell them we will lease you more as you drill in the ones you already have leased. Replace 1:1.

[On the Road]

11. Yes, But the Point of the OP

is that since they're not drilling their existing leases, adding more is not that significant a move.

What would be significant is the other conditions on energy savings, CAFE standards, etc.

It is an interesting idea. It dirties the beaches and is not a long-term solution, but opening up more areas to offshore drilling is less important IMO than more dramatic moves in the areas of conservation etc.

[robinlynne]

12. I'll vote for your plan. Meanwhile let's postpone the drilling until AFTER 20% of our

electrical grid comes from solar energy...