A Shift in Power: Argument Essay

A Shift in Power
Offshore oil drilling in the United States is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. The rate in which our planet is consuming this nonrenewable energy source will soon become a global issue. Oil, a finite resource, originally seen as abundant, reasonably priced, readily available and reliable worldwide was the answer to the global energy consumption until cost of exporting this energy skyrocketed. Being that this country is dependent on foreign oil reserves, isolating the issue is not a solution anymore. Domestic offshore drilling investigation, suggests there is enough oil for this country to work off of for five years and this is a generous estimation at that. A resolution to this problem is for the government and other officials to focus more on renewable, “clean” energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydrogen power. Offshore oil drilling is responsible for the ongoing debate of the environment versus the economy; the production of other renewable energy sources will allow this country to shift towards the reduction of global warming and increasing “clean” energy. In this essay, I will examine particular renewable energy resources such as wind, biomass, solar and hydroelectrical power, that will provide for a more effective, obtainable and sustainable use of energy for the United States. Along with the examination of these sources, I will identify how oil companies could focus their expenses and investments of alternative energy sources and I will identify what parts of the country benefit and produce each specific energy source.
Improvement in technology has allowed for the removal of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere and other damaging effects from exploitation of nonrenewable energy sources. Infinite, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric power all have their own specific flaws but all are beneficial in providing cleaner, more efficient energy. All four resources are naturally occurring; therefore sustainability of the environment is upheld.
Currently, hydroelectric power is the most advanced source of renewable energy, with a one-fifth accountability rate for electrical production (Electricity Generation, p. 1654). Hydro electrical power is separated into three separate categories: tidal, wave and geothermal electricity. The basic elements of this source of energy is precipitation (rain and snow) which run generators, where electricity is produced. Tidal energy involves movement in the ocean, where either a barrier or a tidal mill is placed in the ocean that connects to generators onshore. Wave energy is broken into shoreline, nearshore and offshore devices that extracts wave flow and converts this flow into energy. Geothermal energy is the last type of hydroelectric power source. This energy reuses heat from the Earth, specifically in hot dry rock, magma and geopressured thermal energy. This heat is pulled to the surface by thermal transmission and from the Earth’s crust where molten magma is found. Hot water and steam provide production of electricity while pumps regulate temperature and flow. Geothermal power is the main source of heat control in my parents newly built house; this type of energy is the most advanced, cost efficient and clean source of electrical energy that cools and heats a house.
Solar energy consists of radiation from the sun throughout the year. The sun provides the largest resource; Lewis and Nocera examine currently consumption levels reporting that, “More energy from sunlight strikes the earth in 1 hour than all the energy currently consumed on the planet in one year” (Powering the Planet, p. 15730). Solar panels capture and accumulate radiation; the Sun’s rays are directly converted into electricity due to solar cells, which is known as active heating systems. The assumed consumption of energy sources are dependent on the exact levels that vary depending on efficiency of production and consumption (p. 15730). Whittington reports, “Conversion efficiencies are over 24%” (Electricity Generation, p. 1665). In sunnier areas in the world, space-heating needs are met annually. Cloudier and colder climates still benefit from solar energy, due to the ability to accumulate and capture low angle sun-rays. This is made possible as low temperatures provide a higher demand for heat, therefore, the storing processes is increased.
Wind energy consists of the Earth’s wind, which is the result of the planet’s surface by the sun, pressure and force along with the rotation of the Earth creates wind. Wind turbines regulate the force and conservation of the energy, therefore, the placement of this tool is highly researched for increased potential. Restrictions of turbines include environmentally sensitive areas such as farm areas, national scenic areas, green belt and areas of archaeological interest and in areas of nature conservance importance, including special protection areas and national and local nature preserves (Electricity Generation, p. 1658). Assemblage and proximity require specific restrictions of building these turbines.
Lastly, biomass or solid waste energy production is a short term generator that sources from waste, landfills gas, sewage gas and agriculture deposits. High volume of methane along with a gaseous mixture provides biogas for heating and electricity production. Both carbon dioxide and methane already exist in landfills therefore anaerobic digestion, the production of biogas, is considered to have less pernicious effects on the environment. Limitations of anaerobic digestion depends on the local laws with tightened restrictions in the past couple years. Whittington explores efficiency rates at 26% for gas turbines and increasingly 42% for dual-fuel engines (Electricty Generation, p. 1658).
Declared net capacity or DNC is the measure of contribution of a power station and the overall capacity of a distribution, basically this measures the lost energy accountable when converting the energy. Hydroelectricity, waste, and biomass tie for first with 1.0, wind is at .43, following closely with tidal and wave at .33, and lastly solar energy at .17. (Electricity Generation, p. 1658). This is a major determiner when choosing an energy source because the lower the number the less amount of energy is being converted due to the high amount of energy it takes to run the plant.
All four energy resources compete with other sources on a national grid system and detailed economic level analysis. Determining the operation that corresponds best in the trading method by which energy will be sold, where it will be sold and to whom it will be sold to is important in the overall process.
Defining where each specific energy source is more commonly found is important when considering the opportunities and placement of each source. Obviously, certain locations in the United States do not provide the right needs for each type of power; identifying locations of specific power potentials will characterize the benefits of each type of energy.
Hydroelectric power plants are specified by calculated values of hydraulic head, stream flow rate and power potential. Each plant was chosen in different areas of the country because they are run-of-river projects, implies that the flow of water is constant and equal to the river flow rate in that area. The dams are located downstream and reasonably close to the plant itself. Conowingo, Weiss Dam, Ft. Peck and Keswick dam are the four largest dams in the United States. In order of the dams the state location is Maryland, Alabama, Montana and California, all different regions in the United States (Energy Effieciency & Renewable Energy).
Efficiency of solar resources is seen more in the southwestern states, where the sun is hotter and the location is closer to the equator. Solar cells consume direct sunlight; therefore the higher concentration of sunlight on a regular day-to-day basis provides more energy power. Power towers, Concentrating Solar Power’s (CSP) and parabolic troughs are the three technologies used that are fairly low cost and the ability to distribute power during peak periods of demand are highly developed in all three technologies. Indicators of geothermal energy are areas of water like lakes, rivers, etc. with temperatures hotter than 50 degrees Celsius. Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are the twelve states in which geothermal energy is used most (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy).
As of 2009, the highest wind capacity for turbines is located in Texas, followed closely is Iowa, California, Washington and Oregon. The distribution of biomass is separated by wood resources and residues, agricultural and wood residues, agricultural residues and low inventory (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy).
Biomass energy is located mostly in wooded resources and residues, biomass resources are mostly located in eastern and southern states and Alaska. Biomass energy is also found in any landfill and area with high methane content (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy).
The transformation of oil, a nonrenewable energy source to a renewable energy sources, is not as easy as it sounds. Thomas Boone Pickens, also known as T. Boone Pickens, is an American financier and CEO of BP Capital Management, he created Mesa Petroleum and is the largest shareholder in Clean Energy, the largest provider of vehicular and natural gas (CNG and LNG) in North America. Pickens is a prime example proving it is possible to convert from oil to renewable energy sources. Pickens, a multimillionaire, turns his focus towards oil independency through natural gas, in July 2008. His argument primarily focuses on creating millions of new jobs for Americans and utilizing America’s natural gas thus replacing imported oil. Pickens Plan in ten years will replace one-third of our foreign oil imports through building new wind generation facilities, conserving energy and increasing the use of our natural gas (Pickens Plan). If a man who made all of his money from basically running the oil industry, recognizes this country is in a foreign oil dependency crisis, at an economical standpoint, then who says we as a country cannot slowly end this addiction of foreign oil and move towards a more economical and environmentally sound society.
References:
Energy efficiency and renewable sources. United States Department of Energy (2010, February 22). Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/
Lewis, N.S., & Nocera, D.G. (2006). Powering the planet: chemical challenges in solar energy utilization [Vol. 103, p. 15729-15735]. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/stable/30052048?&Search=yes&term=source&term=power&term=solar&term=energy&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoAdvancedSearch%3Fq0%3Dsolar%2Bpower%26f0%3Dall%26c0%3DAND%26q1%3Denergy%2Bsource%26f1%3Dall%26c1%3DAND%26q2%3D%26f2%3Dall%26c2%3DAND%26q3%3D%26f3%3Dall%26Search%3DSearch%26sd%3D%26ed%3D%26la%3D%26jo%3D&item=10&ttl=8855&returnArticleService=showArticle
Methodologies: conversion factors. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.restats.org.uk/methodologies.htm
Pickensplan. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.pickensplan.com
T. boone pickens his life. his legacy. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.boonepickens.com/default.asp
Whittington, H.W. (2002). Electricity generation: options for reduction in carbon emissions [Vol. 360, pp.1653-1668]. (Electronic version), Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/stable/3066583?seq=11&Search=yes&term=power&term=solar&term=efficiency&term=energy&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3D%2528%2528energy%2Befficiency%2529%2BAND%2B%2528solar%2Bpower%2529%2529%26gw%3Djtx%26prq%3D%2528%2528energy%2Befficiency%2529%2BAND%2B%2528renewable%2Bresources%2529%2529%26hp%3D25%26wc%3Don&item=13&ttl=4798&returnArticleService=showArticle&resultsServiceName=doBasicResultsFromArticle

Offshore Oil Drilling Outline

Offshore Oil Drilling Essay Outline
I. Introduction
a. Thesis: Examining the effects of offshore oil drilling will justify the benefits and the doubts of this new energy resource because comparing both sides of the issue validates the effects on the economy, the environment and to America.
II. Pro
a. Government
i. Former President Bush, lift’s bill on offshore oil drilling as true dangers are defined
ii. Offshore oil drilling substitutes 10 percent of imported oil; 900,000 barrels per day
b. Job Market
i. Provides approximately 5.5 jobs for each $1 million dollars invested
ii. Lowers cost of oil
c. Environment
i. Oil importing has 13 times greater chance of spills
ii. Tanker spills are higher than platform spills
d. Reliability
i. Increasing exploration and research would decrease reliability of foreign oil imports
ii. What will the United States do when these foreign sources go dry?
iii. Strategizing for newer infinite energy resources
iv. New development in technology could lead to alternative, efficient energy sources
III. Con
a. Environment
i. Seismic waves, technology used in exploration of sites, causes harm to marine life and whale beaching.
b. Chemicals/ Toxins
i. Elements of mercury is increased in fish due to chemicals and toxins being released throughout the oil drilling process
ii. Trace amounts are deadly to marine life
c. Energy Independence
i. 2.5% of the world’s oil is located in the United States
ii. U.S. is accountable for 24% of the world’s consumption of oil
iii. Offshore oil drilling will not provide a sufficient amount of oil for this country to become completely independent.
1. Even if there is an indecency of oil, cost would not decrease (only 3 to 4 cents), which does not meet the needs of this economy.
d. Global warming
i. As a whole, high costs of oil may put pressure on society, but decreasing the cost is harming the environment more.
ii. Other infinite resources should be research to both save the economy and the environment.
IV. Conclusion
a. Furthering the research defines which is more beneficial for the economy, the environment and society.

References:
Kelly, Paul, L. "Deepwater Offshore Oil Development: Opportunities and Future Challenges." Rowan Companies, Inc. 65-68. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .
"Should the U.S. Allow Offshore Oil Drilling?" Opposing Views. 2010. Opposing Views Inc., Web. 5 Feb 2010. .
"Learn the Facts About Drilling." National Wildlife Federation (NWF). 2009. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .
Lefevre, Nicolas. "Measuring the Energy Security Implications of Fossil Fuel Resource Concentration." Energy Policy (2009): 1635-1644. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .
LoBianco, Tom. "Obama Blocks Offshore Oil Drilling: Cheaper Gas Gives President Wiggle Room." Washington Times 11 Jan 2009: n. page. Web. 11 Feb 2009. .
Nixon, Robin. "Oil Drilling: Risks and Rewards." Special to LiveScience. 25 June 2008. Web. 5 Feb 2010. .
"Pros and Cons: Drilling for Oil Off the Eastern Seaboard." The Heat Zone. 13 April 2009. The Heat Zone, Inc., Web. 3 Feb 2010. .
Tierney, John. "Offshore Drilling vs. Global Warming." New York Times (2008): n. page. Web. 5 Feb 2010.

FL pgs. 183-218

This section of the reading focuses on what consumers can actually do to change the food industry today. Joel Salatin took a risky perspective, challenging consumers to actually take an activist approach to food consumption. He had four basic arguments: learn to cook, buy locally, buy what’s in season and plant a garden. Salatin focused his essay on a broad audience, to all American’s who want to make a change in the food industry. As a vegetarian, I was a little offended as he used to example of a vegetarian not knowing how to cook a burger. That is a product of one individual, needless to say, that is not true for all vegetarians. A meat eater most likely does not know how to cook vegetarian meals like eggplant and tofu, that does not mean they are unintelligent and under educated.
Eating Made Simply by Marion Nestle focused on the debate of calorie intake, obesity, dieting, organics, etc. I found this essay very informative because it is cut and dry and gets straight to the point. Nestle debates the effects of increased obesity in children and the effects of diets and single nutrients leading to diseases and cancer. This essay is creditable because Nestle has a background in nutrition, food studies, and public health. I felt her essay tended to the readers emotions or logos because she provides specific facts. Instead of saying what consumers need to do to change the food industry, she implies this fact through her writing. She uses facts and statistics that makes the reader want to change their diet. I would place bets on how many more people are affected by Nestle’s essay over Salatin. Personally, I would rather not be told what to do, I would like to make my own decisions based on my own findings and Nestle’s essay tends to that logic.

FL post 2

So I’m not going to lie, before reading Food, Inc I didn’t really know that much about global warming. I knew that it was happening mainly from human causations like increased emissions being released from cars, airplanes, trains etc. but I did not realize livestock play a large role in global warming as well. Food, Inc. reports, “The global system produces and distributes food that accounts for roughly one-third of the human caused global warming effect. According to the United Nation’s seminal report, Livestock long Shadow, the livestock sector alone is responsible for eighteen percent of the world’s total global warming effect” (p. 106). I was never aware of the critical problem of livestock due that causes overgrazing and many other factors. Agriculture is responsible the release of nitrogen and methane which makes up for 70 percent of human-caused global warming effects. These gases are being overlooked by the government which is devastating because the effects these gases are causing are more substantial to our planet than mass production of meat, just so that American’s can be happy when they purchase there one dollar burger through the drive through that takes them no effort to receive.

The least thing a consumer can do to change their habits is go to local farmers markets and purchase fruits, vegetables and meat from local sellers. This would decrease mass production while helping your local community out. Living here this summer, I made a point to go to the local farmers market on east state and buy some fruits there. After buying those fruits, I never wanted to go to Kroger’s again. I realized how much better locally grown crops are because they are fresh and you know exactly where they came from.

FL assigment 1

The film Food, Inc., gave viewers the opportunity to learn more about the food production industry in the United States. As I watched the film, I came to conclusion there is a lot I do not know about the food industry today. When I saw what farmers were doing to induce mass production of livestock and produce, I was not at all shocked. Being that I am vegetarian, I know a little more than the next person the food industry, but I always questioned whether or not the statistics were expansions of the truth and I would decide between what was real and what was not. This movie exhibited cold, hard facts through interviews of multiple sources. I think what really hit home to me, was the story about the E.Coli epidemic, I was able to relate to this because my father almost died from the same cause. He was about the same age as the little boy, Kevin, when he also was poisoned by E.Coli. This segment of Food, Inc., took the food industry perspective on a whole new level. Knowing that these companies are doing little to nothing to compensate citizens for medical bills and other expenses from food borne illnesses’ makes me sick. Kevin’s story itself is a real tear-jerker but after showing pictures and clips of him as a happy, healthy child, there is no person in this world that could not be affected by this. The producers used this as a brilliant persuasive technique because its saying, if you are not affected by this, then you’re heartless. It makes the viewers become a part of the film, knowing that industrialized mass production is occurring throughout the United States is one thing, but seeing the story of a two year olds life being taken away due to greedy food production companies makes the viewer actually want to do something to change this.

Altogether, when comparing the pages 3-64 of the book to the film, I felt that the film does a greater job affecting ones ethical views due to the images that are in-graded in the viewers mind. The book, Film, Inc., goes into greater detail on trends, statistics and sources to further explore. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a different person speaking about the issue, which gives the book more credibility than the film, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, the film brings in many perspectives and resources, I just like how the book ties in many specialists on each individual topic. The book is a good supplement to the movie, allowing the reader a little background of the movie, itself.

Offshore Oil Drilling

New technology has presented the United States with the opportunity of offshore oil drilling throughout the country. The use of energy is growing at an exponential rate in the United States, which is also increasing the cost of obtaining the energy. The dependence of fossil fuels specifically oil and gas is extremely high in this country. The Middle East is accountable for 62% of the global oil reserves, therefore making the U.S. very dependent on these countries (Energy Policy). New technology has offered this country the chance of domestic oil production, specifically offshore oil drilling. The question is do the benefits overweigh the doubts? Will this drilling alternative allow the United States to detach from imported oil, if so will this provide an adequate amount of energy for this country, keeping in mind of the environment and global warming? What will domestic offshore drilling do the environment and for our pockets or is importing oil still the answer? There are implications residing both for the economy and the environment on this issue.

Former President Bush re-evaluated the offshore oil drilling prospective right before he left office, as researchers define the true dangers and benefits of the issue. President Obama has followed suit, due to the exceeding costs the United States has faced for gasoline and oil that does not seem to be going down. Exploration and drilling offshore, has many benefits according to Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar. There is an estimated high of 40 billion barrels of oil in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which would provide for enough consumption of oil for up to five years. Offshore oil drilling could substitute for about 10 percent of imported oil, this amount may seem small but of the 10 million barrels of imported crude oil a day, this substitutes for about 900,000 barrels per day (Pros and Cons: Drilling for Oil Off the Eastern Seaboard). Taking advantage of these natural resources would decrease our countries dependency of foreign finite natural resources.

Offshore drilling could also produce more jobs for citizens. In today’s economy, jobs have become very scarce; exploration and research of potential oil deposits along with the physical labor that is involved in offshore drilling would provide 5.5 jobs for each $1 million dollars invested (Pros and Cons: Drilling for Oil off the Eastern Seaboard). Increasing offshore oil drilling could also potentially lower the cost of oil, if the level of consumption stays consistent. By no longer needing to import as much oil, the cost will decrease.

As for the environment many studies have proven offshore oil drilling can actually decrease environmentally damaging accidents. In a recent study by the National Academy,

“That in the last 15 years there were zero platform spills greater than 1,000 barrels. Compared to worldwide tanker spill rates, outer continental shelf operations are more than five times safer. Imports present an environmental risk of spills about 13 times greater than domestic production. In fact, annually natural seeps account for 150-175 times more oil in the ocean than OCS oil and gas operations” (Kenneth B Medlock III, Opposing Views).

Due to the higher rates of tanker spills over platform spills, offshore oil drilling actually could decrease the oil pollution problem in the oceans. By increasing domestic production, there would be a decrease in environmental harm.

Instead of being so reliable on such a finite source, increasing drilling will increase our reliability. Finding new resources could be a main priority because one day one these resources run out and researchers have not explored new energy alternatives; our country may be in a lot of trouble. Drilling offshore for oil kills two birds with one stone; it allows our country to extract oil domestically, which would cost less and allows for greater research in new energy resources, if the United States does not consider further exploration, then there is zero chance for discovery of new energy resources.

The development and research of new oil reserves, domestically, will actually benefit our countries future. If we do not explore these natural resources now, inevitably one day the United States will have to. Why wait until oil prices exceed to ridiculous amounts; oil is a finite source and someday it will run out. The United States cannot be so dependent on foreign oil reserves because one day these oil reserves will become none existent. Our country is so dependent on oil and for now that will not change, exploring oil internally could potential lead researchers to other strategies that would allow our economy to no longer be dependent on foreign resources. Alternative energy is an option this country and many other countries will have to look into one day. Increasing the research of oil could embark scientists into new territory, which would indefinitely help our economy. Investing in further research of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf could supply a link to a new energy. New developments and technology would give the U.S. opportunities and more options of drilling, conservation, efficiency and alternative energy.

The disadvantages of offshore oil drilling in the United States consist mostly of environmental issues and whether or not the cost of oil would truly decrease. Offshore drilling impacts marine life, the human population and tourists. Seismic waves, a tool used to indicate possible oil reserves affects marine life. Seismic noise is very similar to sonar; these waves bounce off of rock formations allowing researchers to pinpoint oil reserves. Seismic waves disorient whales hindering their communication abilities. A good example of this is static in walkie-talkies or radios in trucks or airplanes; this static may cause someone to not be able to hear the other person. Pilots and truckers are very dependable on their radios because it is a means of communication. This could cause a trucker or pilot to get lost or confused. This is the same problem when seismic noise travels through the water. Whales can no longer communicate with each other; therefore they could separate from their calves or lose their pack. This increases the chances of injury due to distress, which causes whale beaching (Oil Drilling: Risks and Rewards).

Achieving energy independence, at current energy consumptions is purely impossible. It could take years to wreak the benefits of domestic oil reserves to make an economic change that is noticeable. In order to become exclusively independent of foreign importing, offshore oil drilling would need to increase beyond its limits. The National Wildlife Federation states, “The United States contains 2.5 % of the world’s oil resource. But we account for 24% of total world consumption of oil” (NWF). Therefore, drilling only in the U.S. will never suffice. The important aspect of this issue is that drilling offshore causes more harm to the environment than accounted for. 2.5% is miniscule, even if laws allow further offshore drilling; in ten or twenty years, the length it would take to impact oil production, Americans would only be saving three to four cents. This leads to the question of whether it is truthfully worth the damaging effects to the environment, if there are no real changes being seen for the economy or out of pocket expenses.

Further research of offshore oil drilling, will decide whether or not there are more benefits for our countries economy with limited environmental effects. Oil is a finite resource, that is becoming increasingly limited, the United States must take action to this condition, whether it be increased domestic research of a new energy resource or increasing offshore oil drilling.

References:

Kelly, Paul, L. "Deepwater Offshore Oil Development: Opportunities and Future Challenges." Rowan Companies, Inc. 65-68. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .

"Should the U.S. Allow Offshore Oil Drilling?" Opposing Views. 2010. Opposing Views Inc., Web. 5 Feb 2010. .

"Learn the Facts About Drilling." National Wildlife Federation (NWF). 2009. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .

Lefevre, Nicolas. "Measuring the Energy Security Implications of Fossil Fuel Resource Concentration." Energy Policy (2009): 1635-1644. Web. 3 Feb 2010. .

LoBianco, Tom. "Obama Blocks Offshore Oil Drilling: Cheaper Gas Gives President Wiggle Room." Washington Times 11 Jan 2009: n. page. Web. 11 Feb 2009. .

Nixon, Robin. "Oil Drilling: Risks and Rewards." Special to LiveScience. 25 June 2008. Web. 5 Feb 2010. .

"Pros and Cons: Drilling for Oil Off the Eastern Seaboard." The Heat Zone. 13 April 2009. The Heat Zone, Inc., Web. 3 Feb 2010. .

Tierney, John. "Offshore Drilling vs. Global Warming." New York Times (2008): n. page. Web. 5 Feb 2010.

Did you know that 80 percent of pollution to the marine life is a cause of land based sources? Many citizens today overlook the overwhelming amounts of pollution in the ocean because it is not directly connected to their lives; little do they know it affects the ecological protection, socioeconomic effects and health risks in today’s society. This raises the question of what exactly is at stake and is it worth it in the long run to oversee the long-term effects of oceanic pollution? Indefinitely, oil pollution is harming marine life and the human population but even after over a century of oil pollution, when is just too much?

There is various oil drilling regulations that occur throughout the United States. These laws are regulated depending on the location and have specific jurisdictions on a local, state a federal guideline. Permits must be obtained with proof of plans, monitoring and clean up, before a company can begin to drill for oil. These permits are regularly looked over and the re-examination of spill attentiveness and prevention plans is inspected. Specific laws also ban drilling to occur surrounding soil, groundwater, rivers, lakes and ocean waters. Diane Bacher, of eHow Contributing Writer explains, “Regulatory compliance programs grant permits for drilling that contain details on where drilling can occur, under what conditions, and with what technologies, taking into account the geology landscape where the drilling will occur”. Due to the heavy restriction laws on oil drilling and with the increased costs of oil, the demand to finding loop holes in drilling laws are created in order to open more drilling sites and exploration. Is it important to consider both sides of the argument, which is more important, protecting the environment or protecting our wallets?

Bibliography:

Bacher, Diane. "Oil & Gas Drilling Regulations." eHow: How To Do Just About Everything. eHow Contributing Writer, Web. 1 Feb 2010. .

Embach, Carolyn. "Oil Spills: Impact on the Ocean." Water Encyclopedia: Science and Issues. 2010. Advameg, Inc., Web. 28 Jan 2010. .

"Environment ." Chevron Human Energy. May 2009. Chevron Corporation, Web. 1 Feb 2010. .

"Oil and Chemical Spills." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 21 Jan 2010. Web. 20 Nov 2007. .

"WWF for a living animal." Problems: Ocean Pollution. WWF, Web. 28 Jan 2010. .