Drill Today, Plan for Tomorrow

Gas prices have been the hot topic for the past few years. Should we drill offshore? Would it really help to lower our gas prices that much? These are just some of the questions that Americans are asking. However, many of us continue to drive around in our gas guzzling SUVs as if it is no big deal whether the gas prices are at $4 per gallon or at $2 per gallon. But, in all honesty, it really is a big deal. We need to put more effort into different ways of lowering our gas prices and other oil based products. In order to do this though, we need to start with what we know. We need to drill off our shores.

Many people feel that offshore drilling is a big, risky business, but it could really benefit our country. In drilling offshore, we would become more self-sufficient in our oil production. According to USA Today, “the United States consumes nearly one-fourth of the world’s oil but produces only about 10%.” (USA Today) If this is not a scream for drilling, then what is? We obviously need to be able to produce more than 10% of the worlds oil. If  we could produce more oil for ourselves, then our gas prices have a better chance of decreasing, and staying that way. Not only would offshore drilling help lower gas prices, but it would allow more U.S. jobs for U.S. citizens to be created and occupied. However, Karen Wayland of CNNMoney.com says that offshore drilling is “a distraction from real solutions,” but drilling is a real solution. (NRDC) Drilling offshore could create real jobs for real hardworking people. So, really it is not just “a distraction,” but it is just not the solution some people are wanting to hear. In a way offshore oil drilling is a risky business, but isn’t it worth it to help our country in the long run?

Unfortunately, all Americans are not willing to jump on board with the idea of offshore drilling. If we could just come up with a way to please everybody, everything would be just fine and dandy. Most people don’t believe that we could please everyone on the issue. However, why can’t we? Wouldn’t drilling offshore while finding alternative energy sources be a step toward pleasing everybody?

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