Polar Goals and Polar Measures in Obama Energy Plan

In the struggle to arrive at a consensus on a climate deal, President Obama announced this Wednesday his plan to open parts of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal waters to offshore oil and gas exploration. The move – an attempt to gather bipartisan support within the legislature– has confused environmentalists and rallied domestic oil enthusiasts’ in Congress.

Offshore exploration in the outlined regions is expected to be successful to some extent, providing billions of dollars to domestic jobs and markets. The oil spill risks involved could harm fisheries, tourist sites and maritime life far more permanently, a fact the plan’s opponents are quick to point out. .

Conservatives believe drilling would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and strengthen the nation’s economy. Obama insisted offshore oil would be part of a long-term plan aimed at both expanding domestic use of natural energy sources as well as developing new, more sustainable energy sources in the future. Previously, the President has expressed a desire to explore nuclear energy as a means to furnish U.S. energy needs. Only time will tell how long-term Obama’s climate plan will remain, and how many of its multi-faceted goals his administration will actually follow through on.