Change I can’t believe in…

President Obama recently announced a significant expansion of offshore drilling along the eastern seaboard. This cannot be deemed as another politician rescinding on another campaign promise. In 2008 as a candidate, President Obama did admit to a possible compromise in offshore drilling if it was part of a larger energy plan. However even the Bush administration decided against domestic oil drilling because it would not help out our petroleum woes.

Who would have thought environmentalists and congressional Republicans could agree on something? Both sides point out the plan does little to address America’s energy independence.  The drilling permits wouldn’t be approved until 2012 with at least a decade until oil can be produced and full production not until 2030.

No one can ignore the environmental risks of offshore drilling. Southern California is all too familiar with these hazards. Unfortunately it seems as if this is another political move to buy support from the other side of the isle. Will these concessions be worth the prize of the passage of a Climate Bill?