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279 comments on DrumBeat: July 19, 2007

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neon9 on July 19, 2007 - 8:34am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Living in Florida, I would like to hear Mr. Nelson say that also. I know it's just a matter of time before you can see rigs from Tampa, but I don't think a inventory at this time is a bad idea either.

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oilmanbob on July 19, 2007 - 8:57am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

neon9,

its very hard to see rigs producing more than 10 miles offshore, due to the horizon line, or wind turbines.

And, some of us actually think they're pretty. Offshore waters should be for the use of all the people, not just the yacht owners in the St. Petersburg harbor.
Bob Ebersole

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neon9 on July 19, 2007 - 9:23am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Bob,
Well, if I had my choice, I'd rather see wind turbines...

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Sunspot on July 19, 2007 - 9:59am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

As the oil supply depletes it'll only be the yacht owners who can afford it anymore. If they do drill off Florida the "common man" won't see a drop of it by the time those wells actually start producing.

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River on July 19, 2007 - 1:50pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I live in Florida also and think that the main reason that Floridians and some Florida politicians do not want offshore drilling is fear of an oil spill washing onto a beach. Florida is dependent on tourisim and bad press about an oil spill would hurt businesses wherever the oil might wash ashore, not to mention what it would do to marine life.

I agree with those that think that the US should do all possible to make the most of all oil (and all energy) prior to drilling in Florida waters where the possibility of spill could do serious damage to Floridas economy. I noticed that even the CEOs of large oil companies are calling for more oil efficency in autos, homes, businesses, etc. We need an administration that will put energy efficiency at the top of their agenda. Jimmy Carter realized the energy problems and attempted to take action but Americans were too foolish to pay heed...many Americans have very short memories. The current administration is too weakened by other matters, and too discredited by bad decisions to take effective measures to implement energy efficiency. Florida is already hurting as the number two state in mortgage foreclosures, we do not need an environmental disaster. One hurricane or ship hitting an offshore rig could be a nightmare on a nearby beach.

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Odysseus on July 19, 2007 - 2:11pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Oil and tar on beaches in Texas are a real drag. Folks down there seem to be used to it and all the hotels and condos pass out free "tar-off" moistened towelettes. Pretty gross. Florida is right to be cautious, but I agree that a survey of what is out there would be a good idea.

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oilmanbob on July 19, 2007 - 2:43pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Odysseus,

You're right, oil and tar on the beach is a drag, but 99.9% is from natural oil seeps, not from shipping or production. One of the reasons that Texas was an early target for exploration was our oil seeps. Same in California-LaBrea tar pits, Iraq-the ancient Sumerians used pitch as a mortar-and many other areas of the world. If you want I could go on ad nauseum.
The Coast Guard regulations are extremely strict. A ship or rig can't even dump used cooking oil in the water. So while I understand your concern, its based on practices that were stopped 35 years ago.
Bob Ebersole

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