Comments on: Achieve Oil Independence from Tyrants in a Year? Yes, We Can!

By: DiginGreen.com » Solar energy

DiginGreen.com » Solar energy — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:07:05 +0000

[...] Achieve Oil Independence from Tyrants in a Year? Yes, We Can! | The Among the Democrats most often-used talking points on our current gasoline prices is that even if we found oil tomorrow, it would take five to seven years to [...]

By: Al Barrs

Al Barrs — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:32:55 +0000

If the government can condemn and take individual's land and property for the "public good" under the public domain law why can't the government take the oil reservoirs from the states and get the lead out and drill??? What a bunch of procrastinating wossies!!!!

By: Jimmie

Jimmie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:40:47 +0000

You're right, with one small exception. Even though it's part of an appropriations bill (which I also believe is correct), Congress can still pass a law invalidating that section today if they wanted to.

Still, if they do nothing at all, the ban will lift at the end of September. That's been the case the whole time. It would be an interesting issue so close to the election.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:34:01 +0000

You suggest that Congress should lift the ban. I've read that the moratorium is contained in the annual Interior Dept. appropriations bill. Typically, appropriations legislation only lasts as long as the fiscal year, that is, until Sept. 30. Language in these bills is usually written as "no money shall be spent for" the activity Congress is trying to prohibit. In other words, with the presidential moratorium lifted, could it be that as long as Congress does not renew the moratorium by Sept. 30, either in an appropriations bill or a continuing resolution, then the moratorium expires? 41 determined Senate Republicans could show the American public who is on their side…

By: Jimmie

Jimmie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:40:33 +0000

That's a valid concern, Jay. Just getting the oil fromt he ground, though, would have a huge downward effect on gasoline prices, which is what we're really after at this point. We don't have to refine it to get the benefit of lowered prices from the speculators because they're dealing with the world market (just like, in the end, we are).

Remember, the reason gas prices are going up isn't because gas is so expensive but because crude oil is.

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:31:36 +0000

My only concern is our refining capacity. I may not be up on the latest numbers, but I believe we recently celebrated the fact that a new refinery has been OK'd, the first new one in thirty years (I forget where). If we can refine it, I say go get it, sooner rather than later.