Gulf’s Biggest Threat: BP or Obama?
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
The oil spill that followed the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon platform in the Gulf of Mexico will plague the regional environment for years, even decades, to come with devastating effects on the regional economy that will be felt across the nation. The ongoing destruction from the leak, the endless investigations, allegations and law suites will fill headlines indefinitely and emerge again as some argue for greater government regulation while others use it as another example of how dismal government regulators are at the task with which they are charged. While there are a multitude of looming questions, some of which may never be answered, it is quite clear that a string of terrible decisions began with the inception of drilling, continued through the government response, and go on day after day with no end in sight. (more…)
The political mania surrounding biofuels has overshadowed it’s short comings and some of the hidden costs which have already shown up at the dinner table. In addition to the increased commodity prices paid for by consumers, tax payers cover the government subsidies, currently 51 cents per gallon, paid to ethanol producers. Though there is no question drastic measures are required to secure the nations future energy supply there are a great many questions as to weather current policies are in the best interest of consumers and taxpayers or the world community in general.