To Drill or Not to Drill

To Drill or Not to Drill? That is The Question.

Oftentimes, a decision between what is “right” and “wrong” is not quite so black and white. The issue of drilling for more oil, or to pursue greener alternatives, is a perfect example of this. Most people would certainly agree that they would like to have cleaner power sources in our country, but they often say so without really thinking about what is involved, and what it would mean for them personally. What are the benefits of having green energy? And what are the costs? These are both questions that need to be answered, and must be overcome, in order for our future energy needs as a nation to be accommodated.

President Barack Obama has proposed a plan before Congress, to spend $15 billion annually to develop wind, solar, bio-fuel, and clean coal power. "We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century," the President told members of Congress. "And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we've fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea."[1] According to him, many new jobs will be given to Americans, in this effort to expand clean energy sources. He also proposed to put caps on carbon dioxide emissions, as well as making homes more energy efficient. But is all this too good to be true? And even if it is, does it mean that we should not strive for cleaner energy sources, instead of continuing to expand oil drilling. Is it possible for America to not be reliant on fossil fuel sources?

According to many Republican Senators, this would mean a greater tax on Americans. “A great big one,” says Sen. James Inhofe, in reference to these taxes [2]. Many feel that it is unreasonable to strive for such a large boost in green energy, with the current state of...