Bush lifts his father’s ban on offshore oil drilling.
Bush lifts his father’s ban on offshore oil drilling.
Just one month after John McCain flip-flopped and called for lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling, President Bush will announce later today that he too will flip-flop and “lift an executive ban on offshore drilling that has stood since his father was president.” Bush and McCain supported the ban when running for president in 2000. The White House says it is trying to get Congress to agree to increase drilling:
But Perino said Bush no longer wants to wait. She pinned blame on the leaders of the Democratic Congress for inaction. ”They haven’t even held a single hearing,” Perino said. ”So we are going to move forward, and hopefully that will spur action by the Congress.”
Asked if Bush’s action alone will lead to more oil drilling, Perino said, “In terms of allowing more exploration to go forward? No, it does not.”
White House officials acknowledge that Bush’s calls for expanded drilling will not “have immediate impact on prices at the pump.”
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All in favor of supporting drilling through Bush’s patella say aye.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:10 amIt’s time the media told the truth about big oil exporting domestic production to other Countries.
580 million barrels a year would have a far greater impact and benefit on gas prices than ANWAR, OCS or in-country drilling.
NeoCons hate facts, but always have a plethora of opinions.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:13 amWonder how long it will take palosi and reid to pass this latest request by their king…Blessings
July 14th, 2008 at 11:14 amWhat Witch1 said
July 14th, 2008 at 11:18 amSometimes I think even his own Father is disgusted by his Son.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:22 amBet those who paid a million plus for waterview condos in Florida will be upset. There is a lake in Mexico that is beautiful but so polluted no one can use it. Wonder how far we are from becoming a 3rd world country.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:22 amOil is not the problem, there is plenty of oil to go around, we need gasoline. This whole thing is a smoke csreen to pander to BIG OIL and the voters,Stop the ENRON LOOPHOLE and you stop speculation and the price will drop quite a bit…..
Phuck the SHRUB and the old man for pandering…
July 14th, 2008 at 11:23 am#6 my thoughts exactly ! Of course georgie makes my kids look great.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:24 am#8 Exactly and how is it that the Enron Loophole is NEVER discussed so people understand ? Gee, could be big oil shuts the media down.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:25 amA huge oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico that washes ashore in Houston would be fairly karmic.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:25 amWell, guess there is nothing left to rape…our treasury, military, the citizenry, and now our environment.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:32 amBTW, can we now scream at them after the price of gas does not go down at all after November, 2008? I’m fully expecting a manipulation of the market just in time for the election to drop the price by $1.50/gallon, but then afterwards, look out.
Yes, keep us dependent on oil…
Why not push huge iniatives instead that would get us solar, wind and geothermal energy in LESS time?
Because Bush Regime = Big Oil Profits at the expense of everyone and everything else.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:35 amHow about some attention on bushie’s speech in 2000 and 2004 that the U.S. would invest heavily into alternative energy. And 8 years later a crisis because nothing was done. Every government department has been rendered useless under this administration.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:37 amI’m so sick & tired of being lied to by elected officials.
Fox News lies to us on the air & calls it ‘fair & balanced’.
Bush & McCain lie to us on the air & call it ‘national security’.
I realize we have no laws outlawing stupidity, but do they really have to rub our faces in feces on a daily basis?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:38 amtexaslady Says: Wonder how far we are from becoming a 3rd world country.
If you compare us to all other Industrialized Nations, on a host of issues, we’re always in last place. If you exclude the top 10% riches Aercans, it seems like we already are.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:38 amOil prices have been rising for six years. The offshore ban was fine with the Chimp for the first 7.5 years of his administration. Now he rescinds the executive order and blames the Democrats. This is nothing but politics folks.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:39 amWell oil spills in Corpus Christi and Galveston already happening. However, gramm, cheney, bush never go there, they use much more luxurious vacation spots. Texas coasts are for the peasants.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:39 amFinally some action. Hopefully Congress will pull their head out of the sand and follow Bush’s lead on this. We have 20+ years of technological advancements to leverage with regards to safe, responsible offshore drilling. Time for Big Government to be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Polls indicate Americans clearly support more drilling. Thanks to Bush admin for spearheading this.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:39 am‘richest Americans’
I hate my new keyboard – it has selective sensitivity…
July 14th, 2008 at 11:40 amThis pathetic little boy of privledge has no clue about the world around him. All he knows, is to do what his industry friends tell him to do. He is, and always has been, nothing but an “Empty Suit”.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:41 amSilly Democrats holding hearings on government corruption and your civil rights instead of the important things……
July 14th, 2008 at 11:44 amgunclinger:
July 14th, 2008 at 11:50 amSo you think this will make a difference? Are you doing anything to reduce your personal usuage? The old double nickel really does make a difference. My mileage was greatly increased on my last long journey…
gunclinger Says: Thanks to Bush admin for spearheading this.
I bet you drive a big truck, tailgate other drivers, and speed.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:50 amJust more BS from Bush (as usual). Bush, McCain and Gramm are economic traitors to America with their creation of unregulated electronic oil futures trading markets. ENRONed again…
ENRONed again: this time by oil futures contracts speculators who are unnecessarily and very profitably driving up the price of crude oil and hence retail gasoline prices.
We’re being ENRONed again. Curious as to why you are suddenly paying over four dollars a gallon for gasoline? No, it’s not due to “supply-and-demand,” no, it’s not due to “OPEC,” nor is it due to “peak oil.” It’s due to totally unregulated electronic oil futures trading in world markets. Check out the very lucid article that explains the unseen financial machinations in oil futures markets written by F. W. Engdahl on May 2, 2008, entitled, “Perhaps 60% of Today’s Oil Price is Pure Speculation.” It may be viewed at http://www.financialsense.com/editorials/2008/0502.html.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:51 amIn a nutshell, he suggests that the Bush Administration dropped the ball in January 2006, when they allowed totally unregulated electronic trading of oil futures contracts in New York. Previously these electronic trades had been made at the London Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Market. With that decision by the Bush Administration, all of the world’s oil prices were then opened to upward pressure from speculative futures contracts. In essence, oil futures contracts made by speculators, banks, hedge funds and pension funds all competed with real demand on the spot markets and had the effect of driving up both wholesale oil prices and retail gasoline prices. Speculators have made billions of dollars on their trading of oil futures contracts. All of their profits come right out of our pockets.
Even with a stable oil supply, there is a slow worldwide increase in demand for oil, which creates a long-term upward pressure on oil prices. However, with the relentless saber-rattling and war-mongering by Bush and Cheney in the last several years, and the more recent war talks by McCain and the Israelis, the oil futures markets are rife with speculation and paranoia. This war talk keeps ratcheting up the prices on the oil futures contracts and hence the wholesale spot market prices. It is an endless spiral of greed and paranoia.
As long as there is no tough and effective oversight of the electronic oil futures markets by the Bush Administration, the oil prices will climb endlessly. These oil prices will be quickly followed by hikes in the retail gasoline prices at the pump. The 60% speculation share of the $4.25/gallon gasoline price, is about $2.55/gallon, which is what we consumers are paying to these oil speculators as a “service fee.” Not a bad “fee,” since the speculators produce no usable goods or services…Just a few large greedy oil futures traders helping themselves to your gas money.
Without this added-on oil futures “service fee,” you would be paying about $1.75/gallon for gasoline. Write, call or smoke-signal your Representatives and Senators today and suggest that they read the June 2006 report by The U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations entitled, “The Role of Market Speculation in Rising Oil and Gas Prices.” Then demand that they investigate and then force the Bush Administration to firmly regulate the computerized oil futures contracts trading in New York, London and Dubai.
These unregulated electronic oil futures trading markets should be completely shut down immediately. They serve no social purpose, they only enable corporate greed. These same greedy corporate speculators are probably also responsible for the rapid rise in the prices of basic food commodities, such as wheat, rice and corn. No one who is not prepared to accept physical delivery of one thousand barrels of oil on their front doorstop should be allowed to participate in the oil futures markets. Same goes for wheat futures, rice futures and corn futures.
Dem congress has not held hearings….
Dumb Question 1: How many hearings did the Repub majority Congress hold in their 4 years under a repub prez ?
Dumb Question 2: If Congress were to hold hearings, would Bush listen ?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:55 am#19 – Are you dense or simply unread as to what more drilling does not only to the environment but everyone’s future? bushie has allowed since being in Texas de regulation of refiniries and drilling, water is toxic to fish and people swimming in it, the air around refiniries is sickening and killing people. The Alaskan pipline is allowed to rust and drip oil and chemicals into the ground. Oil companies do not care what happens after they get their dividends.
I see the wonderful technology whenever I visit our beaches, and I say wake up they are selling you a bag of crap. You just come on and live for 6 months in Pasadena but pay your health insurance first.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:57 amI’ll bet John Kerry disappears now. I so much wish to hear more from him but think he is sort of a pussy with these inane drivebys…
July 14th, 2008 at 12:05 pmI’ll bet John Kerry disappears now. I so much wish to hear more from him but think he is sort of a pussy with these inane drivebys…
July 14th, 2008 at 12:05 pmOur “bitter” troll today seems to be ignoring several inconvenient facts:
Since all of our domestic oil co.s export much of their product, how will their obtaining more oil to sell oversees help us here at home?
Since refineries in the US are running at full capacity and the oil co.s refuse to spend a penny of their record profits on new ones, how long would it take to bring this oil to market?
Since the oil co.s hold leases on scores of undeveloped and unexplored sites that they are currently ignoring, how will opening the door to offshore drilling change anything?
If drilling is permitted, it will take quite a few years to extract and refine. Even if this oil is sold domestically it is expected to have a miniscule effect on the market price.
Who would this truly benefit other than the oil companies?
Increasing evidence shows that the run-up in crude oil prices and gasoline is being driven by larger trader banks, pension and hedge funds and increased tensions with Iran. Maybe some changes are warranted on these fronts for more immediate relief than this ridiculous idea of offshore drilling having any effect in the near future.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:06 pmI must have taught the fake John Kerry a big pussy twice…
July 14th, 2008 at 12:07 pm#29 – At least John Kerry showed up for his responsibility. And completed it. Your loser coward hid behind daddy’s money and contacts, that would include 5 deferment cheney and rove as well.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pmTake your rush oxycontin rhetoric somewhere else. Obama hasn’t had 8 years to flip flop, nor has he lied about everything from football to voting. Nor did he turn his back on veterans. Just exactly what has mccain = bush done that you are his cheerleader.
Has output been increased in the US oilfields alreadyoperating?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pmThe amazing thing about neothugs like John Kerry and gunclinger is that they’re not in the least embarrassed to show how ignorant of the facts they are.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:12 pmJabberjaw sit at McCain headquarters every day spouting his “I love Nader.” rhetoric. That has to be a job given to the most incompetent guy in the office doesn’t it.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:16 pmWhy is the bitter little troll JK so obsessed with Obama’s balls?
The frustration and bitterness in the trolls is reaching a boiling point. No control over their own lives, their God Bush is taking it up the ass in the polls, and their champion McWirestouching is a clear loser. Who wouldn’t be bitter?
It doesn’t have to be that way trolls. You too could educate yourselves, think for yourselves and join the other 75% of Americans. But you won’t. You are too invested in the need for a Dear Leader to tell you what to believe, and how to vote, that you will cling to that lesser than attitude until you die.
Does your belly have a rash from slinking on the ground, groveling to show your subservience?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:17 pmwtf is wrong with you people?
America needs the oil.
So let ‘em go drill for it just don’t make it into an environmental nightmare.
Next
July 14th, 2008 at 12:21 pmplargo:
July 14th, 2008 at 12:24 pmWould you like to make the case that “America needs the oil”?
jabberjaw:
July 14th, 2008 at 12:31 pmAre you going to cross post this everywhere. Doesn’t the Nader camp have anything better for you to do? I smell bullshit…
Jabberjaw posts qualified for two more beer cozies from McCain.com today…
July 14th, 2008 at 12:32 pmAfter Enron it was found not all energy providers were online and working therefore reducing supply, raising prices.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:49 pmSo if the big oil is working at capacity and can’t refine more oil with present refiniries, what good are more drilling fields ? All the oil in the world is no good without refiniries.
#41 – speaking for just myself I would like my grandchildren to have a place to breath. Obviously you have no idea or care what is happening to this planet. There are solutions that provide energy and do not destroy. Cars could have been made energy efficient years ago but big oil did not want that.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pmWhy is it that offshore drilling became so important,ungent and vital just few months before November elections ,when oil companies have been sitting on 68 million acres of land leased to them to drill that they did not use yet?
July 14th, 2008 at 1:24 pmWhy Republicans also who had the power in the Congress in addition to Adminstration power for so many years did not do anything about offshore drilling or made so similar noise all these years?
It wasn’t until people became angry at skyrocketing gasoline prices at the pump that Republicans and this administration took the issue seriously with some exaggeration that offshore drilling will solve our todays problems and bring todays price of gasoline down.
Europe has had high mileage gas cars for years because of the cost of gas. Auto makers and big oil will allow other fuels when they can control it. By making everything we consume so high citizens will be ready to change to whatever the market makers want.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:31 pmAnyone with an IQ above 20 know’s this is just another attempt to fufill promises by bush to his big oil.
The next little diddy to raise it’s head will be more on changing Social Security to private or stock market account’s…
The way thing’s are going now palosi and reid may help the king out….Ugh!..Blessings
July 14th, 2008 at 1:39 pmFollowing up on Zimzone’s post.
I get so tired of hearing the idea that we get to keep oil produced here. Big Oil will sell it in a way that makes the most money for them. ANWR oil will wind up in Japan.
And if we need more domestic production so much why is more being exported now than in years before?
http://www.cnbc.com/id/25518912
July 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pmI quess plargo doesn’t want to make any case.
Next…
July 14th, 2008 at 1:53 pmThis latest move by Bush sounds very much like the quacks of a lame duck, since it would not lead to any change in the real world. Its noisy and matters to nobody, except for the duck itself, naturally.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:42 pmThe oil industry has 68 million acres of land leases and permits to drill plus huge offshore leases and permits that are just sitting there. They also have permits to build several new refineries which they haven’t used. The “urgency” for more offshore permits is plain, unadulterated bullshit. However, getting additional leases and permits would be a lovely addition to their bottom line and they want them before someone with a ounce of integrity gets into the WH.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:05 pmAs to lowering the price of oil because we will be using real Uhmurican oil is also bullshit – oil is a fungible world wide commodity and our 2 percent of known world reserves ain’t gonna mean squat on the world market.
You know these pseudo-conservative trolls popping into here have only opinion on their side when they have to attack and run. A real conservative would stick around and fight to the end. But nope, their displaying their chicken hawk personalities as usual.
Facts win again this round, hoooray for truth!
July 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pmBy the way….neo-cons have no solution for our gas woes, their only worries is about their oil buddies, not the average American. If they DID CARE about our pockets they would enact immediate speed limits to 65 m/h and they would make it their top priority to go on an educational campaign to encourage Americans to cut back on excess fuel usage. There are MANY solutions at the moment that would bring down oil prices NOW!
But nope, neo-(pseudo)conservatives DON’T want to bring down gas prices, they like them where they are right now!:)
July 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pmThese calls for more drilling in this country means that oil prices have reached a point where they will not be affected by increased supply. Now they can produce more and still sell high.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:00 pmI’m dating a Toyota Prius right now. And it’s driver.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pmRe. 57
I agree with you about the speed limit thing (driving 55?) in one sense, but I am not comfortable with it on other levels. I would like to see changes to enhance fuel efficiency, but I’m afraid that once again such an approach to accomplish that efficiency will be expected of the people and never the corporations. As the old saying goes, time is money. And driving 55 costs time and therefore money. Money that affects the individual more than it does the corporation. More time commuting, more time for small businesses to deliver goods, etc. So, while I think that is a necessary step to fuel conservation, I hate to think that the first step is expected of the everyday citizen. Car companies and oil companies have blown countless opportunities to improve efficiency or develop alternative fuels, and they have for the most part paid little more than lip service to the idea, all the time whining about individuals freedoms to choose. I’d hate to see, once again, the first sacrifice come from the people, especially considering that the infrastructure of this country isn’t substantial enough for most people to have real alternatives to driving. I’ll happily drive 55 to save some pennies, but if it is demanded of me while nothing is expected of the companies that stonewall alternative fuels and car efficiency standards, then I won’t be the least bit pleased.
On a side note, has anyone ever factored in the cost of the war in Iraq to the price per gallon of gasoline? I would love to see that adjustment. It seems to me that our foreign policy is one large subsidy to the oil companies that currently rake in record profits.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:55 pmThank goodness the President is showing some true leadership here.
The American people know what will work–let’s drill now–and get solar up and running, and get wind up and running, and get nuclear up and running. Solar and wind and nuclear and geothermal and wave power are the wave of the future–but to get there will require oil, pure and simple.
Now let’s see if Congress has the guts to do what’s right, or if they’ll continue to pander to the ecoLibs.
Ferretman
July 14th, 2008 at 9:40 pmRemember the electric car that was already produced and on the market? Hmmmmmm… I wonder what happened to that and why it disappeared. Just a thought.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:47 pmIt is too bad there was no ban on his father breeding. Then there would be no Bush. Close your eyes and contemplate a world with no Bush’s of any kind.
How do people like the Bush’s find mates? Do they meet in the dark, date in the dark, and marry in the dark? And finally mate also in the dark. This family history is so dark they should never be allowed to breed.
Because of all this, Bush wants to lift the ban on offshore drilling. He is truly the master of disaster. He leaves a legacy of devastation and pain behind seldom matched in history. He still has a few weeks of destruction left before he leaves office. He truly is insane. Thanks daddy Bush!!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:08 pmI see only a few people with brains leaving comments on this story. The rest of you seem like a bunch of whiny mis-informed tree huggers. We ARE sitting on more oil that all of the middle east combined, and do you know what happens to all that oil underneath the continental shelf if it doesn’t get drilled? it bubbles up into the water or land all on its own. how do how do you think oil was discovered? land owners discovered what is now known as “black gold” bubbling up from underground.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:24 am