Should the U.S. Allow Offshore Oil Drilling?

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The most vehement objection to opening the areas currently off-limits in the OCS is often made on environmental grounds. But, according to the MMS, the offshore drilling industry is one of the safest in the United States.

“A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences reports that in the last 15 years there were zero platform spills greater than 1,000 barrels. Compared to worldwide tanker spill rates, outer continental shelf operations are more than five times safer. Imports present an environmental risk of spills about 13 times greater than domestic production. In fact, annual natural seeps account for 150–175 times more oil in the ocean than OCS oil and gas operations.”

Given the fact that tanker spill rates are higher than platform spill rates, by encouraging more imports through restricting domestic production, we are in fact utilizing a more environmentally damaging option.

The record of the oil industry in the OCS is quite astounding, especially when one considers its success despite the challenges presented by recent hurricanes such as Ivan (2004), Katrina (2005) and Rita (2005). Despite what some proponents of lifting the moratoria indicate, some oil was in fact spilled during the hurricanes of the last few years. However, according to the MMS no significant spills were reported, which is a direct result of the protocols in place offshore. Nevertheless, oversight by the MMS, as required by the OCS Lands Act, must be diligently maintained to ensure that the offshore record remains outstanding.

It should also be pointed out that much of the OCS acreage currently off-limits to leasing does not experience hurricanes of the frequency or intensity seen in the Gulf of Mexico. Every hurricane season, a great deal is made of the fact that so much of our nation’s energy infrastructure is located in areas prone to hurricane damage. Yet we continue policies that limit our ability to diversify away from those regions when it comes to crude oil, refined products and natural gas.