Environment

Environment:

LINK: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2012-01-03/drill-for-oil-in-Arctic-Ocean/52369600/1

SUMMARY: Oil drilling in Alaska has been kept on hold for reasons of environmental conservation as well as a recent scare in the Gulf of Mexico. People do not want to drill in the oil rich sea beds off the coast of Alaska because of the risk of another devastating spill. The article explains that the waters off of Alaska are must more shallow and, even if in the case of a spill, damage would be far less than that of BP in the Gulf. In the end, it is ok to drill in Alaska’s waters, as long as the companies are kept on a short leash.

APPLICATION: Interest groups have a large say in whether or not to drill in Alaska. Pro-drilling lobbyists may convince legislators to allow the drilling to begin while other lobbyists may combat those moves and petition for restrictions. This is an example of pluralism and this strife between opposing groups makes democracy stronger when finding an agreement.

OPINION: I agree with the article. America would save a lot of money and the economy would be greatly helped if we had our own local oil to buy. If drilling is kept under control and safe, with accident potential very low, I think that we need to tap into our valuable resources.