President Bush Lifts Off-Shore Drilling Ban, Blames Democrats for Energy Crisis
By SilentPatriot Sunday Jul 13, 2008 5:00pm
Today President Bush lifted the executive ban on off-shore drilling first enacted by his father is 1990, and had the audacity to blame Democrats for the high price of gas. No, I'm not kidding.
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Bush's cynicism on this issue is simply breath-taking. He's trying to exploit the anger Americans are feeling over the crushing price of fuel by blaming Democrats and challenging them to allow a vote on a bill that would have ZERO immediate impact on fuel costs, but would be very difficult (politically speaking) to oppose. Just like the Republicans do with every possible issue, they feed off voter resentment and play cynical politics with a very serious and complicated problem.
The fact that opening up off-shore drilling sites won't yield more resources for at least a decade doesn't matter. What matters is that Republicans can use the issue as a political bludgeon to bash Democrats with, all the while just prolonging our addiction to foreign oil. Shameful.
Nicole adds: And for all the talk that drilling would provide a psychological boost and drop prices, it's noteworthy that oil is slightly up today at more than $145/barrel. You'd think such a presidential announcement would provide a nice drop -- even if short-lived -- if there was a psychological element to this. Nope.
If offshore drilling would provide short-term relief at the pump or a long-term strategy for energy independence, it would be worthy of our consideration, regardless of the risks. But most experts, even within the Bush Administration, concede it would do neither. It would merely prolong the failed energy policies we have seen from Washington for thirty years.
Check below the fold for more responses and a thorough debunking on this farce George Bush and John McCain call an energy policy.
Carol Pope, Executive Director of the SierraClub:
"This is the most cynical of political ploys. Even the Bush administration admits that offshore drilling will do absolutely nothing to lower gas prices, today, tomorrow, or even a decade from now. This is nothing more than an attempt to exploit the suffering of hardworking Americans in order to pad Big Oil’s bottom line. [...] America simply cannot afford another president from the Grand Oil Party.
Once again, the oilman in the White House is echoing the demands of Big Oil.
Progressive Accountability put together this fact sheet:
McCain's Voting Record And Policies Favor Big Oil
McCain's Tax Plan Gives Top Five Oil Companies $3.8 Billion A Year In Tax Breaks. According to a study conducted by the Center for American Progress, “The McCain plan would deliver approximately $170 billion a year in tax cuts to corporations, including some corporations that are very large and profitable. Just one of the proposals-cutting the corporate rate from 35 percent to 25 percent-would cut taxes for five largest U.S. oil companies by $3.8 billion a year.” [Center for American Progress, 3/27/08]
McCain Voted Against Reducing Dependence On Foreign Oil. In 2005, McCain voted against legislation calling on the President to submit a plan to reduce foreign petroleum imports by 40 percent. [Senate Roll Call Vote #140, 6/16/05]
In 2005, McCain Voted Against a Windfall Profit Tax on Oil Companies At Least Twice. McCain voted against a measure that would have provided an income tax rebate to Americans by taxing enormous oil company profits temporarily on an sale of crude above $40 a barrel. [S 2020, Vote #331, 11/17/05; S 2020, Vote # 341, 11/17/05; Houston Chronicle, 11/17/05; Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/18/05; Environment and Energy Daily¸ 11/18/05]
McCain Voted Against Taxing Oil Companies To Provide $100 Rebate To Consumers. In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment to impose a temporary tax on oil company profits from the sale of crude oil. The funds would be used to provide every taxpayer with a $100 non-refundable tax credit for 2005 for each person in their household. The amendment failed 33-65. [S 2020, Vote #341, 11/17/05]
McCain Voted Against Temporarily Taxing Oil Companies to Finance Tax Rebate For Consumers. In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment to would impose a temporary 50 percent tax on oil company profits from the sale of crude oil. Funds collected from the tax would be used to provide a consumer tax credit for petroleum products. The amendment failed 35-64. [S 2020, Vote #331, 11/17/05]
McCain Called To End Off Shore Drilling Ban; Boon For Big Oil
McCain Now: McCain Called For Lifting The Off Shore Drilling Moratorium. During a press availability in Arlington Virginia, John McCain called for a lifting of the federal moratorium on offshore drilling. McCain said, “I think that's a subject of negotiation and discussion. But right now, as you know there's a moratorium. And those moratorium, in my view, moratoria, have to be lifted. And they have to be lifted so that states can make those decisions. I'm not dictating to the states that they drill or they engage in oil exploration. I am saying that the moratoria should be lifted so they have the opportunity to do so. And by the way, I would also like to see perhaps additional incentives if the states, in the form of tangible financial rewards if the states decide to lift those moratoria.” [McCain Press Avail 6/16/07]
- Houston Chronicle: McCain Announced Drilling Stance To “Make Amends With Texas Energy Producers.” The Houston Chronicle Reported, “Republican presidential candidate John McCain, seeking to make amends with Texas energy producers who did not support him during the 2008 GOP primary season, said Monday he wants to end a federal moratorium on offshore drilling and create “additional incentives” for states to approve new exploration ventures.” [Houston Chronicle, 6/17/08]
McCain Said Coasts “Should Be Open To Exploration and Exploitation.” John McCain said, “So I do believe that there are places in the world, as I said, that we should not drill. But I certainly think there are areas off our coasts that should be open to exploration and exploitation. And I hope that we can take the first step, by lifting the moratoria in order to do so.” [McCain Press Avail 6/16/07]
McCain Then: He Opposed Off-Shore Drilling At Least Three Times, and Twice Supported Florida Efforts To Prevent Drilling Off Their Coasts.
- McCain Voted Against Off-Shore Drilling. In 2005, McCain voted for an amendment that would strike language instructing the Interior Department to conduct a comprehensive inventory of Outer Continental Shelf oil and natural gas resources. The amendment failed 44-52. [H.R. 6, Vote #143, 6/21/2005]
- McCain Voted Against Off-Shore Drilling. In 2003, McCain voted against a provision requiring a survey and inventory of possible off-shore oil and natural gas deposits by the Secretary of the Interior. He voted for an amendment striking the provision. The amendment failed 45-53. [S. 14, Vote #221, 6/12/2003]
- McCain Voted for One-Year Moratorium on Oil and Gas Exploration in North Aleutian Basin. In 1989, McCain voted for a bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1990, and for other purposes. The bill contained a total of $956.4 million for the Bureau of Land Management of which $442.1 million is for management of lands and resources; $535.5 million for the Fish and Wildlife Service. The bill also imposed a one-year moratorium on oil and gas exploration and development in the North Aleutian Basin and ensured that the Department of the Interior will continue its assessment of damage from the Exxon Valdex oil spill through September 30, 1990. The bill also contained $1.5 billion for the Department of Energy, which includes $422.1 million for the fossil energy research program; $192.1 million for the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; $413.3 million for energy conservation. The bill passed 91-6. [H.R. 2788, Vote #241, 10/7/1989]
Bush Also Called For Oil Drilling In the Outer Continental Shelf. President Bush said, “This morning, I asked Democratic Congressional leaders to move forward with four steps to expand American oil and gasoline production. First, we should expand American oil production by increasing access to the outer continental shelf or OSC. Experts believe that the OCS could produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That would be enough to match the current oil production America for almost 10 years. The problem is that congress has restricted access to key parts of the OCS since the early 1980's. Since then, advances in technology have made it possible to conduct oil exploration in the OCS that is out of sight, protects coral reefs and habitats, and protects against oil spills. With these advances, and a dramatic increase in oil prices, Congressional restrictions on exploration have become outdated and counterproductive. Republicans in congress have proposed several promising bills that would lift the legislative ban on oil exploration in the OCS. I call on the House and Senate to pass good legislation as soon possible.” [President Bush statement, 6/18/08]
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The Oil companies have now decided that supply will not affect price. Oil will stay high and production can be ramped up, increasing profits.
And how is the Bush-approved Israeli attack on Iran going to help gas prices?
Why does anyone pay attention to this buffoon?
So, with this move have the speculators now gotten religion and going to bring down the price of oil. It's all psychological...right? Will I wake up tomorrow and find the price is $0.50 lower?
I doubt it.
Walter Sobcek @ 3:
Because he speaks for the corporate owners of this country. He is their script-reader-in-chief.
After leaving the podium, Bush pumped his fist in the air and said, "Fuck you from the world's biggest polluter! Yeeeeee-haw!"
How can I make this clear...
Bush can do whatever he wants because NO ONE WILL STAND UP TO HIM.
Spineless=Democrats
Wow, it's amazing that a guy with a 27% approval rating thinks that he speaks for Americans. Oblivious to the world he's supposed to be the leader of. The lies that stream from this guys mouth are insults us all.
Why in this point in time offshore drilling is being lifted, which would only result in a few cents trickling down with the same energy policy of fossil fuels?? Anyone feel that George HW Bush regrets having W as his kid as president, or son-in-chief?
Oh I get it now. Oil companies raise the prices. Then they get what they want... offshore drilling rights to America's coast.
Say goodbye to the coast....
Buh-bye
Fail!
I call bs when I see it.
"While the U.S. oil industry wants access to more federal lands to help reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, U.S.-based companies are shipping record amounts of gasoline and diesel fuel to other countries.
A record 1.6 million barrels a day in U.S. refined petroleum products were exported during the first four months of this year, up 33 percent from 1.2 million barrels a day over the same period in 2007. Shipments this February topped 1.8 million barrels a day for the first time during any month, according to final numbers from the Energy Department.
The surge in exports appears to contradict the pleas from the U.S. oil industry and the Bush administration for Congress to open more offshore waters and Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.
Up 33% since 2007...amazing. "
The democrats are also responsible for the war in the middle east.
If they had only let us drill, we would never have had to invade....
FOR OIL!
Get it?
Just when you think he can't do anymore harm........
He's not a lame duck, he's a maim duck.
George W. Bu$h = biggest asshole on the planet
Of course it couldn't have anything to do with some cowboy going in to the middle east and starting 2 wars could it?
I'm constantly surprised at what an insidious liar and manipulative oxygen thief he is.
Though that so many people listen and believe him in that country is even worse, and that they will spin this against the short term BS position, opposed to taking a popper long term view and moving to sustainable energy, and people will believe it.
The US will end up like a withered heroin addict on the dregs of oil it can suck from it's own veins, while the sort of the world gets on with geothermal, solar, wind, etc ........ very sad.
Walter Sobcek @ 3:
I don't, I'm not sure who does.
Can we put this douche bag in prison yet?
Reasonstein @ 9:
Not at all, he's a chip of the old block, making money for oil companies is all that matters, Snr. didn't care that much and Prescot was one of the biggest supporters of the Nazis going.
I'm no fan of crude or vulgar language in public. Still, I'd love, just once, to have the opportunity to look Bush in the eye and say, "Fuck you!"
I encourage the International Criminal Court to go after Bush next.
rduke @ 17:
It would appear that douche bags are a protected species while Democrats control Congress...
rduke @ 17:
There is more than enough evidence for that.
Even though George HW Bush has some troubles and controversies of his own, doesn't anyone feel sorry for him due to his son as president?
Zogby International
Poll: 74 percent support offshore oil drilling in U.S
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jun/26/poll-74-percent-support-offsh...
Bush calls for "responsible" development, but we already know that will never happen with a Republican in the White House and 40 Republican senators.
Unfortunately, Americans tend to look at their belly button, and ignore everything outsie of the US, and the media doesn't help. Konwing that the situation is the same evrywhere, they wouldn't believe one second that the Democrats have anything to do with it. But many of them are too willing to believe that crock of shit.
Smooth move by Governor (I'm a uniter, not a divider) Bush. What an asshole.
Rob @ 23:
74% are whiners more like who just want cheap oil and don't give a shit about the planet they live on ......... oh it's the US, yea that sounds about right.
I hear that GM has just built a hummer that runs on dolphins ........
wesisbest @ 26:
I'm sort of suprised he hasn't stuttered, "I'm a divider, not a uniter," even though that would be more of a truthful stutter, even for him saying it by accident.
Let's see..what else can Bush give his good buddies in the oil biz......hmmmmmm...of course more subsidies to offset those high cost of offshore drilling.
NEWS FLASH: George W Bush is a lying sack of crap!
Yes I admit it its all mine and others fault,
we refused to buy H3s and thus create more demand for cheaper gas,
so the high price of petrol is all our faults.
I think that Republicans are master politicians. That is not meant in any way, shape, form, universe, paradigm, or alternate-negative-parallel reality to be a compliment.
Prediction: Democrats in congress approve this.
This is just further evidence that he plans to blow up Iran.
He is the ultimate asshole; but in a clear demonstration of his attempts at bipartisanship, he did use the phrase "Democratically controlled Congress", rather than the "Democrat controlled Congress". [snark on]
There's no doubt about it, bush is hoping the American people haven't learned a damn thing in almost 8 years. Again, he's hoping to get what he wants using lies and deception. This man is breathtakingly corrupt.
Pelosi and Obama can come out with timely sound bites trying to reassure us that this is a bad idea and they have no intention of allowing this to happen, but we've been led down that road before. I've already sent an email to the Obama campaign letting them know that I pulled my donations after the FISA incident, and I intend to pull my vote if he doesn't come out strongly opposed to ANWR or ANY offshore drilling.
Republicans controlled Congress from 1994-2006 and the presidency since 2001. But the Democrats are to blame for energy prices?
If anyone but Bush had said that, it might deserve a response. In this case, it doesn't.
"Now, the (tar) ball is directly in the Congress' court."
g.w.b.
In a few years from now while we all can hardly buy foos get a job pay for anything, the republicans will be saying see what happens when u let our liburals run things , see!
Now G.W can start drilling where he wanted to in the first place using Bin Laden moneys. He wouldn't have bankrupted his oil company back in the day if it wernt for liebarrels. And the whole entire country wouldnt be bankrupt cept for the liberals, hell the west coast wouldn't be on fire if it wernt 4 teh liebarells.
Jerry @ 27:
Most likely a poll sponsored by Oil companies..............on Oil company executives.
Rob @ 23:
the 26% who actually live on the coast hate the idea
helenahandbasket @ 35:
I guess he's finally starting to come around - can't wait to see what's next!
Jerry @ 27:
Yeah. The lying proaganda has worked yet again, in no little part because corporate media are unwilling to stand up and tell the truth. But I betcha numbers like Zogby's have been thumb-tacked to the wall of the puppet-masters for Bush and Clone.
Rick Shenkman's book is right. American voters are stupid. OK. Call them "low-information" voters if you heart euphemisms.
In the entire history of American presidents he is the worst.
The "do-nothing" congress still does nothing!
Why do the lefties love saudi-arabian oil barons and hate the american gas consumer? Get off your cans and do something.
Bush takes a lot of grief from the lefties but the middle-east has began it's tranformation by overthrowing the Hussein government and replacing the murderers with a Government that is willing to work with us. Where's the "he was right" comments? Iraq has been a success but apparently the lefties would rather have a mass murdering tyrant in the middle-east. These high oil prices are a sign that the rest of the middle east countries are sitting a little nervous because someone with a set is still in the whitehouse. McCain won't take their crap either. Half the US gets it because they're supporting McCain in the polls.
The world is using more oil than ever and the tree hugging lefties just can't get past the "polluters" bullshit. Your house has electric which most likely gets produced by coal or nuclear power.
We can all dream of electric cars but how will the electric get produced pinheads?
It's time the useless dems actually did something in congress (instead of trying to "get even" with the GOP by wasting time on useless hearings... yes, useless, what have you proved? anyone jailed? nope!), this would be a nice start.
The other side of the story, McCain's cut:
http://www.fecwatch.org/pres08/select.php?ind=E01
And McCain's people:
http://mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0014
Best government money can buy!
sibosop @ 33:
Prediction: After initially dissing it, then fearing that polling is with Bush, Democrats in Congress *fall all over themselves* to approve this.
Reasonstein @ 22:
Not in the least!!
BF Skinner found long ago that animals with no contingencies on their behavior often got stuck repeating counter-productive, even self-destructive, behaviors. If nothing you do has consequences, good or bad, then your actions lose their meaning. I think G. W. Bush is a superb case-study in that affect. These last remaining months he knows he can do ANYTHING he wants and nothing can be done about it. He doesn't care about approval ratings, so those numbers hold no sway with him. He knows that impeachment is off the table, so he's not afraid of that (besides, he'll claim he has the executive power to ignore Congressional impeachment). Until there is some tangible consequence to his actions, we're going to see him push for more and more crap like this off-shore drilling, opening of ANWR, war with Iran, etc.
Now, the productive question to the C&L crew: What kind of tangible, credible consequences do you think GW Bush would respect? (NOTE: I mean realistically, not sadistically fantastical or malicious)
Stan @ 45:
Hey-Hey!!!
Stan representing the 27%! Thank you and congratulations on working the computer-box.
Hmmmm... "Do-nothing congress," where have I heard that before??
Captain Bitter Whiner Husein Kangaroo @ 48:
I seem to remember Bush I crying last year in Florida talking about the differences between Jeb (the Good Son) and George (well... you know).
I love How DUMBya is preaching to the dumbest amongst us who have no idea that California, Florida, and texas have NO PLANS tolet us drill off their coasts. None of the gop governors of those states want to be the driver of the greed bus to oil spill beach. especially when people with WORKING BRAINS know that it will only reduce gas at the pump by pennies in 7-10 years. quite a plan. STAN !!
Funny how that "government that is willing to work with us", as Stan says, WANTS OUR OCCUPYING A$$e$ OUT !! and are generating a life long ally in IRAN. time to wake UP !!!! STAN
i sure am glad they were not behind the vision of the moon landing. their lofty goal would have been to land on an ant hill.
The U.S. hasn't built a new oil refinery since 1976 when there were 300 refineries in the country. After oil company mergers and the elimination of independent refiners there are now 149. Coincidentally, these remaining refineries export approximately 1.6 million barrels of gasoline and other petroleum products daily to foreign markets while operating at near capacity. This is about 17% of the 9.2 million barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel consumed daily in the United States. Ceasing refined petroleum exports would cause a precipitous decline in gasolinel prices overnight. Off shore drilling won't, and is not intended to.
Captain Bitter Whiner Husein Kangaroo @ 48:
I second that. He should spend the rest of his life in jail for simply providing the sperm.
I thought Obama was against off-shore drilling?
Old Billy Hussein @ 50:
no, you transposed the numbers! 72% of AMERICANS think McCain would be a good Commander in Chief!
hmmmmmm....
It's funny how they state that this is going to relieve gas prices, and the markets give little to no reaction to the speculation. This will be just like any other beneficial legislation to the oil industry, exploit the dumbed-down public fears as if it will bring relief, and then allow your corporate speculators to drive up value again for some other dumb founded reason. We are in serious trouble!
How quickly can the Democrats cave in to Bush's demands so they don't look "weak on energy"?
Captain Bitter Whiner Husein Kangaroo @ 48:
Not in the least.
I wish the Democrats would find their back, grow some testicles and impeach the waste of human flesh who calls himself 'President'?
Stan @ 45:
Ding ding ding ding! We have our winner of RW Troll of the Day.
Unless you've been living in a cave (or had your head stuck in a cavernous cavity), it's patently obvious that GOP initiatives over the past 20-30 years have INCREASED our oil and energy problems. Not decreased them. Hell, we were moving towards energy independence after the oil embargoes in the 70s, then golden boy Regan screwed that up.
Now you're saying that a congress that JUST got back into Democratically controlled hands (AFTER 12 years of GOP rule) is to be blamed for a) the problem and b) not coming up with the solution? Right... that's definitely not shifting the blame to avoid responsibility. Nope not at all.... /snark
sulphurdunn @ 53:
Funny how the GOP fear mongers always fail to mention that we are exporting oil that we suck out of Alaska RIGHT NOW. why not stop the export of OUR OWN OIL, to stem the prices TODAY. they also seem to think that the INLY OIL in Alaska is under the "postage stamp sized" wildlife refuge. and NO WHERE ELSE. they are morons.
we all know the GOP is trying to line the pockets of big oil with a going away present before they go the way of the Whigs.
Captain Bitter Whiner Husein Kangaroo @ 48:
Okay, probably shouldn't be deceived when he is crying, then.
WakeUpAmerica! @ 55:
He is not against drilling in the 68 MILLION acres they have already leased. It's the states that are against new drilling off their coasts. run by GOP governors of course.
I guess we're just a nation of whiners... silly bush, tells us were addicted to oil, but then turns around and tries to get America it's fix
ChrisM70 @ 7:
Spineless=Democrats
Spinless/Clueless/Lazy American Citzenry= Same Old Shit
TimV @ 61:
It's either Clintons fault or the recently put in charge Dem Congress...DUH !!! not reagan, Bush or Dumbya, or the Newt contract ON america, or DeLay, or Boehner of course.
"No, it's not the Democrats fault, it's Obama's fault because of his vote for FISA."
~Hillary/McGrampa Supporters talking point 124,853
How about congress just ignores everything else this idiot says until he is out of office. Every press conference is greeted with a non-comment comment like "Did he speak today? Oh, I did not know that. I was busy trying to fix some of his other fuck ups."
and Exxon/Mobil's stock prices climb..
Stan @ 56:
Its nice that ABC/Disney News put that in color-coded, easy-to-read graphics for you.
Now, what does that have to do with anything?
I think it still has to go thru the states legislation in order to drill off of the coast.
F#ck bush, his policies and the gop for
this mess. what an ass-wipe of a bastard.
Stan @ 45:
You are a fool! If we didn’t go into Iraq Saddam could be pumping oil right into you gas tank. We would not be bankrupt. We could have finished in Afghanistan. I don’t believe that Saddam would have killed any more people than George Bush has killed. In fact Saddam would not have killed… Never mind. Also the middle East and particularly Iraq is a place where people have been killing each other for thousands of years and will continue to kill each other. Bush went there on a personal mission. If McBush did not go into Iraq he would have much more credibility regarding Iran. He may even have some sympathy but he is such moron dumb fuck he has no world sympathy. In fact there are many past sympathizers who are hoping we get fucked because of what this turd has done to the rest of the world. What he said at the end of the summit in Japan says it all about his mentality. Sorry Stan, you are a fool.
yeah, i know it's "off topic" but i might not be around for an open thread:
mcain's Professional Experience (project vote smart http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=53270):
Senate Navy Liaison, 1977-1981
Captain, United States Navy, Vietnam, 1958-1981
Beer Distributor.
i'm not kidding, i did not type "beer distributor" myself. go take a look. and while you're there, take a look at "interest group ratings" for both mccain and obama. mccain has made a career out of voting against children, veterans and common sense.
Stan @ 45:
Iraq is a success? We spent 500 billion dollars to invade a country and now we are paying 4.50 gallon....that's a success? Wow.
Giving away oil rights in treacherous areas
Dubai buys the Chrysler building in New York
Belgian brewery buys Anheyser Busch (Budweiser)
Heck of a job booshy.
This is the last chance for Big Oil to get their mitts on those leases for at least another decade. You c