I work in the oilfield industry and will end up making less this year than last. The blatant disregard of his so called advisors has directly impacted many lives. Even with a federal court ruling against the moratorium, the Obama administration continues to uphold it.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-03/u-s-administration-in-contempt-over-gulf-drill-ban-judge-rules.html
The initial panel advised to increase the regulations on drilling offshore, but Salazar took their findings and submitted his own amended report.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/06/09/experts-disavow-salazars-drilling-moratorium/
Still to this day, no offshore drilling permits have been issued. They increased safety measures are in place. The oil companies are proving they are complying. Obama and his advisors are stone walling and holding it up with no reason as to why.
The Gulf of Mexico area, both onshore and offshore, is one of the most important regions for energy resources and infrastructure. Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production accounts for 29 percent of total U.S. crude oil production and offshore natural gas production in the Gulf accounts for 13 percent of total U.S. production. Over 40 percent of total U.S. petroleum refining capacity is located along the Gulf coast, as well as almost 30 percent of total U.S. natural gas processing plant capacity.
With all of the unrest in the major oil producing countries we are facing some serious problems. All Obama is doing is ensuring that we will be dependent on imported oil. You may not see the effects today or tomorrow from shutting the Gulf of Mexico down, but you will see it. Major finds are sitting stagnant, and companies are looking to other countries to continue work. Drilling rigs are sitting idle while other countries are begging for them. Once they leave and go, they will not return for years.
It may not seem like you have problems now, but you will change your tune soon enough. When gas gets above $4 a gallon and food prices increase, wonder what he did for you then.
