it will take time to actually start to use the oil we will get from the rigs off florida, BUT if we do start the act alone will strengthen then stock market, boost the economy, and ease some of the insecurity we face now. the effects will be immediate.
rick has been absolutely correct in everything he has stated thus far. the drilling process used now causes zero leakage. in fact, there is more oil seeping through the ocean floor naturally than is spilled when AMERICANS drill. drilling WILL be taking place off the coast by someone. why would we lease the locations to countries that historically could care less what damage they cause to the environment? if there is drilling going to happen I would rather it be by the US where we have regulations, watch-dogs, and yes even the environmentalist crazies who will be sure to make things be as safe as technology can provide. think the chinese care if someone from an environmentalist group pickets or causes a fuss or refuses to vote for them in the next election? no. America can do a better, safer job than anyone else, so it is my STRONG opinion that it should be us to do it. i do constant research and keep up with this situation because it is important to the country to do something.
with that said, do I think this is the long term answer? no. this is simply something to get us by until we get other fuel sources such as coal-to-oil, nuclear, wind, solar, and as many other alternatives that are beneficial as we can. as to the so-called "flex-fuel" ethanol, it is not as advantageous as the politicians and environmentalists like to make it seem. it is causing problems with our food supply, is costing farmers money (being from a farming family and community, I see this first hand), costing the government money, and causing just as much damage as it helps. it simply pushes the focus somewhere else. drilling here or alaska, and preferably both, is the answer to get us through the tough times we are in now. it creates jobs, both in the field and in the industrial sect. the disadvantage is the view on the horizon, which you wont even see from the shore.
it creates habitats for animals, grows coral, and provides great diving. can't beat that.
I think diving around an oil rig will be cool.
