Recently, Senator Marco Rubio stated a new energy policy that would be heavily based on drilling and hydraulic fracturing which would ultimately diminish Obama's previous environmental gains. Rubio discussed an immediate start to move forward with the Keystone XL oil pipeline to allow the extraction of gasses buried in Salem and other places. Rubio claims that "the hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of natural gas and oil underneath the ground are doing the people of Ohio no good pent-up in shale rock.” Rubio's speech emphasized that extracting these natural resources would lead to less pollution because it would allow for the creation of wind and solar powered devices. However, this plan would reverse Environmental Protection Agency regulations in order to receive this gas. He goes on to say how little progress Democrats such as Hillary Clinton are making because they constantly oppose economic advancements. Furthermore, he says “If we elect Hillary Clinton as president, an outdated leader who believes President Obama’s restrictions haven’t gone far enough, who believes that energy policy is more about trying to change the weather than it is about empowering our people — then we will miss out on one of the greatest economic opportunities of this century.”
Do you believe that Rubio is moving in the right direction in implementing oil drilling? What is more important, in your opinion, economic progress or saving the environment? Is it important to note that Rubio made this speech in Ohio because it is a major swing state in the election?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/17/us/politics/marco-rubios-energy-policy-centers-on-drilling-and-reversing-obama-rules.html?ref=us
Oil is a touchy issue in America, because although some would prefer we moved on to more sustainable energy sources, we remain economically and industrially reliant on drilling and refining oil. Maybe increasing oil drilling isn't the best idea considering we're already producing the most out of any nation, but in a state with a large oil-drilling presence it's sure to be winning Rubio some votes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cuyler that it's winning Rubio some votes however the clear ineptitude of his ideas on climate change should be noted. Climate Change is such an important issue his glossing over it like that only hints at what he would do during his presidency. This is the opposite of the right direction, he is devolving.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is that the United States is basically completely dependent on oil as a source of energy. It is hard for many people to see ourselves not using oil as a source for boosting energy and the economy. However, oil will not last forever, and if we continue on this path of pollution the Earth will be beyond repair. We have to focus on developing clean energy technology, and if that means we hold back on drilling then we should use that as an incentive.
ReplyDeleteThe use of oil for energy is inevitable. America particularly relies on oil as a source of fuel, so it's important that we use oil resourcefully. Not only that, but the pipeline will most likely damage the environment. It's crucial that all caution regarding preserving the environment is taken because if the pipeline wrecks a huge amount of the natural world, the environmental reconstruction costs will be huge.
ReplyDeleteAlthough economic advancements are definitely important, in this case, I believe the environmental impact outweights the economic impact. I disagree with Rubio's point that it will lead to the creation of wind and solar powered devices because if this plan were to make as much of a positive impact as he is making it seem, there is no way people who don't really care about the environment would want to make the switch to renewable energy rather than make a lot of money. The people would not want to use the money towards renewable energy. Also, I agree with Cuyler about him winning votes and believe that part of the reason he is creating this plan is to make Hillary Clinton look outdated and un-American and to win votes from people who don't care that much about the environment.
ReplyDeleteThe environmental impact of oil drilling far outweighs the economic gains made by oil drilling. Inevitably, oil will leak into the ocean and it will cost money to clean it up. In addition, Rubio chose to campaign in Ohio with this agenda because it makes it seem as though he is modern and in favor of big business. He makes Hillary look as though she only cares about the environment and not business at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it will cost more in the long run, and this move is to promote his party
DeleteUnfortunately, the United States relies on oil as its main energy source and that is a fact that won't change anytime soon. The environmental aspect is far more important than the economic, but America is driven by money. The pipeline will have very serious environmental consequences and it is important that America preserve the environment and not get blinded by greed.
ReplyDeleteOil drilling, particularly shale extraction, in America is an extremely sensitive issue. Although shale extraction could open large reserves of oil, the environmental consequences and dangers to human populations are quite severe. Rubio's policy is a step back in environmental policy. Although oil could lead to a new surge in American economic progress, its environmental implications are too high, and this nation cannot afford to sacrifice more and more of its natural landscape.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Senator Rubio is moving in the right direction by pushing for Keystone XL oil pipeline because although it has great economic benefits the impact on the environment is much greater. Even though the United States is heavily dependent on oil I think that it is more important that we take care of our environment and find a different source of energy.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Rubio is moving in the right direction by completely ignoring all the potential environmental impacts of his suggested policies. The fact that he equates climate change with "the weather" shows an extreme lack in understanding of what's going on in the world. I wouldn't trust this dude with my money.
ReplyDeleteI recently heard a story about the Energy proposal from 2001 under the Bush-Cheney Administration. At the time, many were concerned that the proposal represented the interests of the energy companies (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071701987.html). However, if you compare the proposal from Cheney it is actually more in favor of alternative energy than the proposals from many of the current Republican Presidential candidates. Amazing to think that the current crop of Republicans have regressed in their alternative energy focus.
ReplyDeleteIf Rubio was successful in implementing his plan, we as a country would be moving backwards in the little progress we have had. The economic progress Rubio speaks of is short-term and limited. He is ok with the shortcomings and long-term negative affects of this plan because he will not be in the height of his political career, and perhaps not even alive when the degradation of the environment reeks its worst havoc on our economy and life style in general. He likely made this speech in Ohio because if his plan was implemented Ohio would receive much of the economic gain. His purpose was to convince this swing state against voting for Hilary Clinton and other democrats.
ReplyDeleteAs a nation almost completely reliant on oil as their energy source, it is hard for the US to see other alternatives as a better form of oil since it has already been tried and tested. While many people have already acknowledged the fact that oil drilling drastically changes the environment for the worse, there are still those who put the economy over the environment, even in the long run. There are those who would rather see the economy flourish for the next 50 years than see the world continue to go on for future generations all just to make a quick buck. While Oil drilling is bad for the environment already people still persist in creating more drilling wells around the nation and the globe. While he is only looking for the best interests of the United States economy, implementing more drilling wells will only last the US so long in the coming years than searching for an alternate and renewable source of energy.
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