Why should we be supporting nations of the world that we don't like or that can impact our economy on a moment's notice? I'm talking about oil.
We are an energy rich nation with plenty of resources in the ground.
Take whatever oil, natural gas, shale, and coal supply that we have under our surface. Then throw in what lies beneath the seas off our coasts - Atlantic from Key West to the St. Lawrence, Gulf, Pacific - up to Alaska, and Hawaii. Then add in Peurto Rico, Guam, and other areas.
Then drill, dig, and extract. Not in an reckless strip mining or wildcat operation, but in a strategic energy mining operation.
We have so many resources - maybe no one really knows how much. Estimates run to over a 100 year supply.
Here's the question: what good are they doing us in the ground?
Let's use them. They are a gift. When we see that we are coming to the end of what is feasible to extract, then we can aggressively pursue alternate sources of energy.
This doesn't mean that we can't be developing additional energy sources right now. Go for it. See what else we can perfect. Maybe we can even export that technology to the world. It just means that we have oil and gas to use while we are doing that.
You're probably familiar with the takeaway close. We can begin to use that on the countries we've been buying oil from. Sell to us at below market rates - on our terms - or we won't buy at all. We can be in a position to drive a hard bargain - and mean it.
As far as visual impact. offshore oil platforms are only visible when you get close. Oil wells are much smallerthan windmills and have a much smaller footprint. What about the environmental impact of the drilling, mining, refining, and extracting that foreign nations are using to produce the oil and gas we buy from them?
One way to bring manufacturing jobs back home to the USA and to hold the line on inflationary energy costs is with reasonably priced, domestic energy.
We are an energy rich nation. We should act like it.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2010. All Rights Reserved.
Steve, as you well know, the longer we pursue the current energy policy, we open ourselves up to more confrontations in the middle east and beyond. We have our own cartel running Washington and keeping energy from expanding into areas they don't control.
Steve, you are so right. Unfortunately, our political parties have become so polarized that one side wouldn't admit the other was right even if they knew in their heart they were.
Dale,
It is a political issue when it should be a national security and economic one. :)
Steve
Sharon,
Thanks for the agreement, and you make a great point. :)
Steve
We have more oil in shale in the US that has been used in the world... EVER.
We are told every day that we don't have any resources left. We need to think about using what we have...
I heard years ago that oil shale would be profitably gotten if oil prices rose above $70/barrel. Well...?
Don't know if that is still true, but even if it was close, why not go after our own?
Virginia is moving quickly to authorize drilling off the coast and eventually the feds will have to approve - it will be interesting to see what they say....
Lane,
So if we never use it, it will still be true 200 years from now. What arew we waiting on? :)
Steve
Paul,
Have all the oil wells start reporting empty - then we'll know we're out. Won't happen for a long time. :)
Steve
Jay,
Someone in Washington is afraid of energy independence - or they're listening to the wrong voices. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Virginia leads the way again. :)
Steve
BTW, there is a LOT of tax money to be raised from the current barrel taxes. The government could go a long way toward balancing a lot of books with some of that oil actually getting drilled...
Lane,
That is a great argument. Thanks. :)
Steve