By JOHN M. BRODER and CLIFFORD KRAUSS
Published: February 28, 2011
link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/business/energy-environment/01drill.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Summary:
The Interior Department said they would allow Noble Energy to drill into 6,500 ft deep waters off the coast of Louisiana. Michael Bromwich, Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy, said that the old system of fast approvals would not be happening anymore. They would review by a well to well process. This drilling comes as no suprise while oil prices are rising. Judge Martin Freedman recently ordered the Obama administration to move quick about allowing deep well drilling. Although Bromwich said his request was not because of Freedmans work and that they were opposed to what Freedman said. Bromwich said the Noble had put in new safety and envioronmental rules after the spill and had a contract with a company that could control a blowout of 69,000 barrels of oil a day.
Reflection:
It is very interesting that they would allow this so soon. This article really brought this situation in front of me. Water pollution is very serious and the BP oil spill killed many animals living in that area. I read many articles about the spill and it just shocks me that they would allow this. I think they should have waited at least a year and then tested this new drilling in smaller waters. Also the fact that they will be drilling in almost the same spot is ridiculous. I can't believe Bromwich let this happen.
Questions:
Do you think they should start drilling again in deep waters?
Why do you think Bromwich let this happen so quickly?
Do you think we should drill for oil at all anymore?
by Phil T.
WOW! I cannot believe that they are drilling in practically the same spot as the oil spill. This is ridiculous! What happens if the oil spills again? Are they just going to take that risk? The poor animals have been through enough already! I think Bromwich let this happen so quickly because someone is paying him off. As long as the oil companies can keep money in his pocket, he keeps the wells. I do not think that we should be drilling in deep waters again. I mean it's not only a risk of a spill, but the risk of the men on the oil rigs. As a society we need to drill for oil, right now we are too dependant on it. One day when we are less dependant, maybe the need to drill for oil will decrease. I'm not gonna say that I think we shouldn't, because then I wouldn't be thinking realistically.
ReplyDeleteI was completely shocked after reading this article! I cannot believe they would drill in the same area! I do not think Bromwich realizes what impact this will have on EVERYONE if there is another oil spill. On top of all the animals that have already lost their lives due to the previous spill, more will be killed. Not only will the animals be effected, but us humans will too. Gas prices will increase and beaches will be polluted. Also, to answer Phil's question, I think as a society we should learn not to rely on oil as much. The high demand is causing us to continue drilling and we need to find a better alternative fast.
ReplyDeleteThey should not be drilling again. It's dumb to drill in the same spot as before. The ecosystem has probably just reached some sort of norm again and is now in danger of losing it. As to this being a reaction to the rising oil prices, it's a little premature. Prices have risen before and have gone down. If the rebellion in Libya continues then maybe the U.S should consider using other wells it has in the Gulf. This isn't the answer to oil prices rising. It will just pollute the water and kill more animals if another disaster happens. Overall the United States needs to wait and see what happens to gas and they need to think about if they ever want to finish with the oil dependence found here.
ReplyDeleteExpansion: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=justice-department-to-set-up-oil-sp
Question #3
I don't think we should, but we need to while our economy and debt stay where it is. Looking into other sources of energy is advisable though because the next oil spill or rebellion will cause gas prices to go up and there's the fact that oil isn't a renewable resource. It might not run out at the end of our life times, but no one knows. All the oil in cars pollutes the water and air as well. Basically I don't think drilling is advisable, but I understand its necessary and drilling off the United States shores takes away our dependency on the middle east. Which is improvement.
This is completely irresponsible for them to do. Oil spills not only affect the animals in a big way, but they have an impact on the people leaving near there. I do not think they should drill in these deep waters, and I think he is doing it for the money. I think drilling for oil has both a positive and negative affect, it is necessary but it is very harmful.
ReplyDelete