Offshore drilling

The oil spill that began in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010 prompted some supporters of offshore drilling to ponder the wisdom of the project. The consequences of the disaster include the cost of the cleanup, the damage to the environment, the impact on fishing, the likely increase in the cost of fuel, and not least, the decline in support for drilling in American waters.

A major reason why we should consider continuing offshore drilling is the opportunity it affords for reducing our dependence on foreign oil. But how far will it go to provide us with all the oil we demand? Assuming the companies involved in this mission use additional safeguards, and assuming too that they have better luck, will all the effort make a significant difference for the American economy and international relations?