Yesterday, in a story about Obama allowing offshore drilling Phil Flynn (Energy Analyst, PFGBEST Research) was interviewed by Scott Horsley from NPR. Mr. Flynn opened with this statement:
We've come a long way from the days when President Obama was talking about filling our tires with air, you know, could produce more energy savings than drilling in the ocean. I, for one, think it's a courageous move by the Obama administration, because we know many of the supporters are vehemently against this.
Inflating your tires to the right pressure is a good way to improve fuel mileage, by about 3% according to some studies. Why malign suggestions that actually work?
Anyway, how much oil is actually off our coasts? This is up for debate but the small amount that IS there might not be worth the expense.
Later in the story, Horsley said that Top Republicans grudgingly applauded the president's move. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called it a step in the right direction, but a small step. McConnell also questioned whether the administration would really follow through and issue the permits for offshore drilling. But Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who met with the president earlier this month, says he came away impressed by Mr. Obama's openness to traditionally Republican thinking.
Is it Republican thinking to take the short sided approach? Is it Republican thinking to focus on older technologies that will run dry? And, more importantly why does Obama want to throw them a bone (pun intended)? Does he think he's going to find consensus with the Republicans on a climate bill? Really?
