Squashed

Soupsoup asked, “In light of this, can someone more well versed in the energy debate explain why we are making such a big deal about needing to do more offshore drilling? It appears to solve nothing.”

Offshore drilling is not about solutions. It won’t solve our energy crisis. Even if it’s part of a comprehensive energy plan, it won’t be a very significant part. But it is a good wedge issue for the Republicans. It does a few things. It is a visible place where environmental standards block development—which brings back a litany of grievances about crazy environmentalists not caring about the economy. Secondly, it gives the appearance of a solution. It’s easy and “Drill here, drill now” rolls off the tongue. So does “Drilly, Baby, Drill!” It’s a symbol. And while it won’t solve any problems, the Republicans can say “at least it will do something.” And it might set the rest of the country against the environmental lobby.

And it will do something. It might muck up the beaches with tar or other byproducts—but it does increase the domestic oil supply. If you can find other measures to get off of the foreign oil, it might be enough to grease the transition.

Unfortunately, the “Drill, baby, drill” rhetoric can be extremely damaging. If oil dependancy is a cancer, offshore drilling is a provider of holistic and alternative medicine. Or maybe a faith healer. It might do something—when you have a real problem you need a real solution. A fake solution that promises to solve the problem might make you feel better and might encourage you not to follow up on the solution that would actually help until it’s too late.

You might have heard a number of years back that wind and solar energy are too expensive to be profitable. Two things have changed since then. First, there have been some techonological advances and economies of scale that have brought the price of both down. Secondly, the cost of oil has tripled. It’s a lot more profitable now.

Or, if you like the Republicans, you can chant “Drill, Baby drill” like some article of faith. Does offshore drilling play a part in a comprehensive energy package? Maybe a small one. But it’s mostly a distraction.