Best of both worlds
Compromise will keep us warm
The Biden administration has proposed three new oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico, and—surprise, surprise—the environmental community is not happy about it.
The administration has already approved the Willow oil and gas project on the North Slope of Alaska, which has angered environmentalists. In some regards, considering that he campaigned pledging to end new offshore drilling, it’s seen as a slap in the face to a group that was instrumental in securing his seat in the Oval Office.
It’s okay for environmentalists to be angry with the president about this if they want to be, but it might be a little mis-directed.
Why? Because there is a democratic process that allows many voices to be heard in this country; although it’s been lacking in recent years, this sort of situation promotes compromise.
The three lease sales are the “minimum” number that can legally be offered. Well, let’s rephrase that: It’s the minimum that can be offered if, in fact, the administration wants to continue expanding offshore wind development.
Under the terms of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a sea of incentives for renewable energy, the government must also offer at least 60 million acres of offshore oil and gas leases in any one year period before it can offer offshore wind leases.
Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is responsible for inserting this provision into the law. He’s also the one who got approval for a controversial natural gas pipeline that will run through his state as a result of the debt ceiling negotiations last summer. And he was instrumental in putting in place the enormous renewable energy incentives previously mentioned, including incentives for electric vehicles, which have directly impacted EV market penetration.
It was this combination of “all of the above” energy development that was critical to gaining his vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, without which the bill may not have passed given the narrow majority held by Democrats in the U.S. Senate at the time it was passed.
Polling indicates that by and large, Republicans favor oil and gas development over renewable energy. And Democrats see the world from the exact opposite perspective. However, polling also indicates that only 25 percent of the country is happy to call themselves Democrats, and the same is true as it relates to Republicans.
That leaves 50 percent in the middle. Polling also indicates that they favor a more moderate approach, as you might expect. Most people see the value in developing both conventional and renewable energy sources at the same time. There’s no need for mutual exclusivity.
While it may not please everyone, it will please those who want to pay less for their transportation, heating and cooling. In the process, it inadvertently provides assistance to those on fixed incomes and in poverty without touching the federal budget, or adding to our growing debt.
As Senator Manchin said last week, “It makes no sense at all to actively be limiting our energy production.” We say it’s good policy that reflects the will of most of We the People.