Western Avenue Elementary School participated in “National Green Week” February 2nd through 8th of this year. This annual event is organized by the Green Education Foundation. Schools sign up at the Green Education Foundation website in order to participate. Participation is also available for any organized group, individuals or families. President of the Green Education Foundation, Victoria Waters, explains

“It’s important to start creating habits now, while children are young, because it can add up over a lifetime to make huge monumental consequences to the environment.”

While participating in National Green Week students of all ages are taught to use reusable containers for their lunches and drinks, to reduce waste at home and at school and to conserve water. In addition, students also learn that animals may be in danger because the earth is in trouble.

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Earlier this year excitement and promise surrounded the possibilities of developing a domestic oil source through shale oil. Due to the current economic crisis much of these plans have been put on hold. The companies that were initiating these efforts are finding it difficult to borrow funds for their projects. In a November 10th EarthNews article Louis D’Amico, executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania states:

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In the Chicago Tribune today, Jim Tankersley and Christi Parsons report that each of our front running presidential candidates are promising a future free from dependence on foreign oil. According to this article many energy experts say this is more fantasy than reality. There are many who doubt our ability to become energy independent.

What is energy independence? What does it mean for America? An extreme view of Energy Independence involves complete global market isolation which erupts in negative results on many fronts. Another view involves a combined effort of pursuing domestic oil and alternative energy sources. Creating energy domestically on all fronts, essentially making us stronger participants in the global market.

The cost and effort necessary to become energy independent is much more than either Barak Obama or John McCain are laying out in their energy plans for America. In their article, Jim Tankersley and Christi Parsons, detail each candidates energy plan and candidly point out how each is flawed. As energy buzz words are thrown around by politicians and the media, Americans must stay informed. Defining what energy independence means to them and then not being swayed by the spin cycle.

I applaud you who are searching for truth, thinking and discussing the issues at hand. I applaud you who are making lifestyle changes to create a more sustainable future for your country. As we face uncertain times economically and our security seems weak, I believe the people of America can create change. Pursuing change in your everyday life, will make a difference. Don’t give up!

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Photo Credit: <kian> via Flickr Creative Commons License

As Ike closes in, drilling platforms in the gulf have been evacuated, refineries closed and now the Port of Houston is closed. MSNBC reports:

Exxon Mobil, Valero Energy, ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil are among the companies halting operations as the storm closed in. Refineries on the upper Texas coast account for one-fifth of U.S. refining capacity.

In the week prior to landfall the energy and economic impact of Ike began to occur as drilling platforms, oil refineries and chemical plants all ceased operating in preparation for the storm. The Port of Houston is the 2nd largest port in the U.S. and is scheduled to remain closed until Monday. Also halting operation is the Dow Chemical Freeport Complex, which holds 75 chemical plants and produces approximately 27 billion pounds of chemical/chemical products annually. Dow Chemical is closing their 139 acre plant in La Porte as well.

Meanwhile on the east coast a large gas station chain with 1,600 stores spread over 11 states has asked customers to limit their gas purchases to 10 gallons each with signs posted at their stations. Based in Sanford, NC The Pantry includes Kangaroo and Petro Express stations. According to the Chicago Tribune, The Pantry has stores in Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, the Carolinas and Indiana.

The Charlotte Observer reports about The Pantry and their gas rationing signs:

CEO Pete Sodini said the move was precautionary and caused by a large spike in the price of wholesale gasoline and the shutdown of several refineries in the Gulf of Mexico. There was no shortage of gasoline Thursday.

Mr. Sodini went on to say the ration signs were meant to avoid panic buying which could deplete the gas supply unnecessarily in the area. Explaining that if everyone rushes to gas staions and fills up every vehicle in their prospective household, gas supply will run out temporarily.

Sodini said he’s aware that some people might accuse him of creating a panic, but added, “they’ve got to tell me how I win by doing this. … We sacrificed a lot of volume today.”

The Post and Courier Charleston states the signs “did not help” and only succeeded in promoting mild panic as people called, sent text messages and sparked rumors of gas prices and supply. The Post and Courier artcile tells of stations and ration signs in the Carolina’s. This was also happening in Tennessee as I personally received a phone call from a friend in Franklin, Tennessee about a sign posted at a gas station limiting gas purchases to 10 gallons per person.

Energy and Economic impact will take a back seat to the people who will undoubtedly experience the repercussions of Ike’s brutal force. As the hours and days move forward and the aftermath assessed, the long term impact across the country will be discussed again and again. Revisiting offshore drilling, energy independence, our current dependence on foreign oil, alternative energy options and the important election that can influence all of these issues long term.

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Photo Credit: Troy Burwell via Flickr Creative Commons License

There has been a world wide effort to “isolate Iran” due to their being the “leading state-sponsor of terrorism and human rights violations”. The EU and UN have both planned to cut back business ties with Iran. The Austrian government owns 31.5 percent of the OMV company and Stop the Bomb is furious about OMV’s involvment in this Iranian event. As an EU member state and a UN member nation, Austria is undermining the effort of the EU and UN in regards to Iran.

Both OMV and Shell have corporate human rights pledges (OMV, Shell). Neither company will comment when asked if supporting Iran through this event violates their prospective human rights pledges. Haaretz reports the OMV deal was signed in April 2007, and was met with criticism from Austria.

But Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, asked by the Austrian daily Die Presse how the deal squares with his Social Democratic Party’s tradition of “human rights before business,” responded: “The tradition never held true.”

The Iranian company that is holding the event is state owned making this event and participation in it direct support of the the state of Iran, not merely an economic or energy event.

A Far News Agency report states that China, Italy, France and Spain are all involved with Iran and the exploration for oil and gas. Shell and OMV are currently in the spotlight however there are many other countries and companies making plans to work with Iran regarding oil and gas exploration. How far will this go? Empowering Iran for the purposes of obtaining oil.

As we prepare to elect a new president here in the U.S., an important issue is our own dependence on foreign oil and our pursuit for energy independence. As we watch countries and companies defy their own agreements regarding human rights and pursue relationship with Iran, we can turn our thoughts to our own situation. Will we remain at a stand still arguing over oil or will we embrace a balanced approach to pursue our own resources in combination with alternative energy options? I believe we have the ingenuity and competence as a country to responsibly pursue energy independence.

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Photo Credit: Hamed Saber via Flickr Creative Commons License

Both Katrina and Rita were category 5 hurricanes and each one caused damage to an estimated 3,000 oil platforms and 22,000 miles of pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. The following damage is recorded:

52 platforms with major damage

19 of the floating drill units exposed to hurricane force winds went adrift or were damaged

115 platforms destroyed

Eight rigs destroyed

535 pipeline segments damaged

Dr. Nagarajaiah explains that the rigs and platforms may have ongoing damage due to past storms, making them more susceptible to current and future storm surge and wind damage. If and when damage occurs to these platforms, equipment and pipelines the potential for more increases at the pump becomes greater and greater. This Science Daily article states:

When Katrina and Rita struck, gas prices soared as a result of damage to oil facilities. With oil prices at all-time highs this year, U.S. oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has a direct impact on gasoline prices.

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Does energy independence for America mean that we have to extinguish all trade and global relationships? Or can energy independence for America consist of developing our technologies and resources to the point that we have the ability to sustain ourselves while still choosing to participate in the global market?

Ron Bengston, in his essay The Cost of American Energy Independence states:

How much will energy independence cost the American people? Before the answer can be given and understood, the definition of energy independence needs to be clarified. It is important to first understand that independence does not mean closed borders or isolation. The dictionary definition of independence is: “freedom from outside interference and the right to self-government.” Energy Independence means energy sovereignty; a concept that should be thought of much like we think of national independence. For example, the USA has interdependent relationships with other countries, both economically and militarily — however, if America’s economic or military “interdependence” becomes “dependence” to the point of undermining national sovereignty, there will be a public outcry… much like we see today regarding America’s oil dependence.

Clearly defining energy independence is a critical step in this process. As we hear politicians speaking and media outlets reporting on this topic, we need to understand how they define energy independence. What we learn here is that John Stossel views an energy independent America as extreme isolation from global markets with untold negative results. Ron Bengston views an energy independent America as a strong sovereign nation with a place in the global market. How do you define energy independence?

It is imperative that we stay informed and active in this process. “Energy Independence” has become a buzz word, a common phrase we hear from politicians, commercials, and news reports. To be informed citizens and voters we must define the issues for ourselves and then understand the perspective of those to whom we are listening.

As we approach November this year it is vital to understand Barack Obama and John McCain both have plans to pursue and energy independent America. Which plan fits what you see as the best pursuit for our country?

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Photo Credit: Riah’s Photography via Flickr with permission

The Orlando Sentinal reported:

At the pump, retail gas prices continued their decline, suggesting that cash-strapped Americans are still cutting back on their driving. A gallon of regular slipped another penny overnight to a new national average of $3.73, almost 10 percent lower than record prices of $4.114 a gallon reached July 17, according to auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express.

On Friday the discussion about the price of oil centered around OPEC’s recent report showing the demand for oil is down. According to the Baltimore Sun OPEC’s estimate of oil demand is summarized as follows:

In its monthly oil report, the organization forecast world appetite for oil this year overall will fall by 30,000 barrels a day. While forecasting demand growing by a daily 1 million barrels a day this year, and another 900,000 barrels in 2009, the report noted that world demand growth next year will also be “the lowest since 2002,” with demand growth from the major industrialized countries actually declining.

How will this affect the fight for Energy Independence in America?

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In 1991 Tien-si Chen was contracted to build a home addition. The woman who hired him to do the addition wanted the work completed with used materials she acquired from garage sales and throw away piles. Mr. Chen completed the addition and fell in love with sustainable building. He began applying sustainable techniques to his projects.

The remodel in 1991 used recycled materials and also employed passive energy design. He explained how he orients his projects to use the south, north breezeway creating air flow, using shade from trees on the property which reduces energy use. Mr. Chen explains that this is “taking part of nature that God has provided for us and using it in our every day living”. He referred to Frank Lloyd Wright and sharing that each time Frank Lloye Wright designed a building he turned it 60 degrees immediately because doing that creates a relationship with the sun, wind and shade. “Forces of nature that God created for us. He (God) created an environment and when we know how to use it we can benefit from it.” explained Mr. Chen.

He approaches his work as an opportunity to create a solution using green architecture. Applying these techniques to the entire building system from the air conditioning system to the plumbing. He is currently working on a new project in which they are separating all the water flow. For example sewer, shower,  and rainwater will flow through different pipes in order to reclaim any possible water that is appropriate to reuse. This is a huge redevelopment project that I am unable to name at this point. When Mr. Chen receives permission from the development a follow-up will be posted to identify the project. He has worked on several projects for the same development company, applying sustainable techniques each time.

Mr. Chen is also connected with a man in Nigeria and is working on large projects there such as a 300 bed student housing building and an eco village. The eco village is a self-sustaining project using wind power and gas from reclaimed methane. This particular project is in the proposal stages.

Passionate about sustainable architecture, Mr. Chen loves to offer solutions for energy efficiency and to promote preservation of the earth he holds dear as he believes it is a gift from God. I asked him about his connections with the directors of these large projects which vary in geographic location from Chicago to Nigeria. My question specifically was “In the board rooms, are people hesitant about your political affiliation and Christianity?” He directly replied, “In that arena, it never comes up.” As we discussed this I discovered no one asks him his political or religious affiliation when they need an architect who is passionate about sustainability. He explained that many of the people he works for are Democrats, supporting Obama and on the opposite side of the spectrum politically. Mr. Chen concluded our conversation by stating “Creating a sustainable future is not political.”

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Photo Credit: Riah’s Photography with permission

Texas governor, Rick Perry, has applied for the waiver citing severe stress on prices, livestock and agriculture industry in the state. This has opened discussion and debate regarding the use of ethanol in our fuel. The livestock industry, food industry, and Grocery Manufacturers Association are opposed to the mandated increase in the use of ethanol. Dallas Morning News reports that Governor Perry has gained support from some environmental groups as well.

The Environmental Protection Agency will ultimately decide if Texas will be granted the requested waiver. It is expected that their decision will be made in early August. The spirited debates that have begun as a result of Governor Perry’s request will surely cause our political leaders to revisit the regulations currently in place.

What are we learning from this? Fuel and food are closely related. We need fuel to operate the machines that harvest, process, package and distribute our food. When increasing our use of corn derived fuel such as ethanol we must also take all these other areas into consideration. In addition to the fact that corn is a vegetable we eat, it is also a primary livestock feed source.

Once again, there is a need for a balanced approach in the pursuit of energy alternatives in America. The debate surrounding the use of ethanol is far reaching and diverse, from cleaner burning fuel to world hunger. Ethanol production and consumption are hot topics not soon to be extinguished.

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Photo Credit: Fields and Corn Danielle Leininger via Flickr Creative Commons Liscence; Texas Longhorn Steer Charles & Clint’s Photostream via Flickr Creative Commons Liscence

Florida Congressman, Jeff Miller (Rep.) was previously opposed to offshore drilling. He has recently stated it may be time to lift the ban and begin to use the resources available to us. In an NPR news article dated July 14th Congressman Miller is quoted, saying:

“I think when the public begins to change their tune … then elected leaders need to be paying attention as well. The breaking point seemed to be $4-a-gallon gas,”

A fiscally conservative group of Democrats known as the Blue Dog Coalition are also in favor of opening new areas for drilling. A recent CNN Opinion Poll and a Gallup poll show that American’s want to drill. Why? Do people really believe that the price of gas would decrease immediately? Are we, as American’s, tired of purchasing foreign oil?

While the debate about drilling domestic oil continued this week, Al Gore presented an aggressive energy plan for America. A 10 year plan Mr. Gore likened to the Apollo Moon Project, stating that it may seem impossible but it can be accomplished. Mr. Gore emphasized:

“Our success depends on our willingness as a people to undertake this journey and to complete it within 10 years. Once again, we have an opportunity to take a giant leap for humankind,”

Can we combine efforts? Offshore drilling and Mr. Gore’s 10 year goal are both things that will take time. A balanced approach is necessary to accomplish Energy Independence and to decrease (or end) our dependence on oil. Domestic drilling is not the answer, however, it is part of the process.

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“Just think about the Congress and the Senate and even the president. The genius of the American system is not freedom; the genius of the American system is checks and balances. Nobody gets all the power. Everybody is watching everybody else.” - Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz

Checks and balances are important no matter what the pursuit, goal or endeavor. The US-Mexico border fence is no exception, however various reports have stated the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff has been given the authority to move ahead hastily with the U.S.-Mexico border fence and override multiple public health, cultural heritage and environmental laws in the process. According to an April 2008 article by Mike Lillis posted on The Washington Independent, the Bush administration has “waived” these laws in order to proceed with the fence.

Why discuss this again? This may seem like old news however, on Friday, July 11th Ofelia Rivas, a representative of the Tohono O’odham Nation spoke in Washington D.C. about her nation of 24,000 people living on 2.8 million acres of land that crosses the U.S.-Mexican border. She spoke of the Tohono O’odham people experiencing an increased military force on their lands, in addition to other disruptions to their daily life. She also spoke of environmental concerns, the plants and animals that are being affected by the fence. Ms. Rivas stated:

“By restricting the mobility of the O’odham people, the wall prevents the free practice of their religion and their cultural traditions. Further, rights granted by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples, and the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man are also being ignored due to a waiver issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Under this document, the president claims the power to waive any and all environmental and federal Indian laws in order to build the wall in the name of national security,”

Several environmental concerns with the building of this fence are listed by Moscow News in a June 26th article. If the fence is completed as planned, the Audubon Society will have to close its Sabal Palm Audubon Center. The center is located near Brownsville and would be completely in “no man’s land” north of the Rio Grande behind the fence. The same report also tells of the Nature Conservancy’s Lennox Foundation Southmost Preserve and the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Both biologically diverse ecosystems that will be negatively impacted by the border fence.

In our politically charged presidential election year, it appears that this is not a hot topic for our top two contenders. According to OnTheIssues.org both John McCain and Barak Obama voted yes, in favor of building the fence in 2006. In searching John McCain’s web site he does not directly address the border fence currently being built. He does state he believes in a strong border however the fence itself is not addressed. Barack Obama does state on his web site that he does support more infrastructure, personnel and technology on the border.

As we continue to discuss energy independence, debate drilling for domestic oil, explore alternative energy sources and ask our prospective leaders what their economic plans may be…should we also pay attention to a fence that is being rapidly built at the cost of disrupting a peaceful people, harming ecosystems and the alarming reality that a governmental department has been given the authority to run with no checks and balances?

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Photo Credit: soldiersmediacenter via flickr creative commons liscense

The CNN/Opinion Research poll was conducted from June 26th - 29th and included more than 1,000 Americans showed the following:

• 49% of Americans favor environmental protection, even if it means slowing economic growth
• 44% of those surveyed place the economy as their top priority, even at the expense of the environment
• 73% favor more offshore drilling for natural gas and oil

Previously on June 19th CNN reported Gallup Poll findings that support their more recent opinion poll. The Gallup Poll results showed more than half of Americans favor drilling in areas that are currently off limits such as coastal and wilderness areas. Why? Is this really a “drill our way out” mentality? Cathy Landry, American Petroleum Institute spokeswoman stated:

“Any credible energy report will tell you energy demand will increase over the next few decades, we cannot drill our way out of this problem, but drilling is an important part of the solution.”

In addition to major environmental concerns, another concern about domestic drilling is having the mentality that we must fill the oil demand we currently live with and continue to fill the demand as it increases over time. Finding ways to reduce our oil consumption seems to be contradictory to drilling domestically. However, I would like propose drilling domestically could allow us to decrease our oil consumption over time. Allowing us to gain independence from foreign oil, and focus on alternative energy options. Under the guidelines and leadership of environmentalists and agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, I believe Americans are capable of drilling domestically in an environmentally safe way.

Our presidential front runners recently had the opportunity to speak out about off shore drilling as President Bush called for lifting the ban currently in place. As a result we learned Barack Obama does not want to consider any domestic drilling, while John McCain spoke out in support of offshore drilling on the East Coast. A closed door to our domestic resources from one candidate and a politically convenient statement from the other. Despite which candidate you support, there is a need to take a realistic look at the economy and environment, this internal conflict is really shaping the upcoming election.

I like the words of deputy campaigns director of Greenpeace, Carroll Muffett:

“In truth, what is truly good for the environment is what is truly good for the economy, because a shift to better energy solutions would create jobs.”

She, of course, is not referring to any type of drilling but the concept of environment and economy going hand in hand. I agree with her thought process in that respect. Drilling domestically in America may not ever be considered “good for the environment” it can surely be part of the solution that can help the American economy and ultimately our pursuit of alternative energy.

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A new assessment by the National Intelligence Council — with input from all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies — treats climate change as a security threat.

In a classified report, US Intelligence Agencies have suggested an indirect link between climate change and national security. As NPR news correspondents Ari Shapiro and Tom Gjelton discussed the report Wednesday, June 25^th they explained the “indirect link” and the classified status of the report.

The report suggests the U.S. is capable of handling the impacts of climate change and could even benefit in ways such as longer growing seasons for farmers. On an international level, due to humanitarian disasters and political unrest likely to be a result of climate change, our national security could be at risk.

Tom Gjelton reports that both Democrats and Republicans are trying to use the findings of this report to benefit each side of the political spectrum. Democrats using this as a way to strengthen their efforts to gain funding for programs that support alternative energy and energy independence. Republicans focusing on the speculation aspect of the report and the use of open source materials to do the analysis.

An important point to remember according to Mr. Gjelton is that analysis such as this one are done often by U.S. Intelligence Agencies. They regularly look at multiple scenarios to determine possible outcomes and our ability to respond. Diplomatic reasons are cited for the Classified status of the report, which is classified and the lowest level of classification. He stated that due to some harsh statements about some countries and their ability to handle the effects of Global Warming would be the probable diplomatic reasoning behind the classification.

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This was a big week for our Presidential candidates and energy policy, specifically domestic oil drilling. With the recent decision by a House Sub-committee to continue the ban on more offshore drilling, spirited discussion regarding domestic oil has sprung up everywhere. This week John McCain extended his support for offshore drilling, stating that he thinks the ban should be lifted however he also made the statement that he opposes any drilling of ANWR. Barack Obama opposes lifting the ban on offshore drilling and ANWR drilling.

As Americans, we have a lot to think about. The fact is we do have domestic oil that we are not extracting. Geologists report we have billions of barrels in both the Bakkan Shale and ANWR. Why is John McCain in favor of lifting the offshore drilling ban while at the same time opposed to ANWR drilling? Is it politically convenient? Is it a possible attempt to satisfy both sides of a debate? Why is Barack Obama opposed to all new domestic drilling? Despite the fact that offshore drilling is technologically at its best, we have other options in other areas.

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The American Public Transportation Authority reports 35% more travelers will use public transportation this summer. They provide this list of the country’s top ten summer city destinations and their expected use of public transportation:

New York City (53 percent - up 5 percent)
Washington, DC (47 percent - up 1 percent)
Boston (48 percent - up 5 percent)
San Francisco (40 percent – remained constant)
Philadelphia (38 percent - up 4 percent)
Chicago (35 percent - up 4 percent)
Seattle (32 percent – up 2 percent)
Las Vegas (30 percent – up 4 percent)
Los Angeles (31 percent – up 5 percent)
Atlanta (25 percent – up 3 percent)

Needless to say in a country where each household owns an average of 2.28 vehicles, this surge in use of public transportation is coming with growing pains. The increase in gas prices is effecting public transportation providers, which will be reflected in the expected increase in fares. Many companies are finding it necessary to increase their fleets and routes. The cost of expanding their operations coupled with the high fuel prices are a concern. Some companies that provide public transportation are making cut backs while others are pressing forward. Overall, it seems those involved in the public transit industry are looking at this increased need for their services as positive.

One of the benefits of living in a free capitalist society is the ability to choose where we spend our money. As Americans we know, money talks! Bus, train, subway or bike….as a society we are joining together and saying no to the rising cost of fuel. There is excitement in the air (and less CO2) as we join together this summer either by choice or forced compliance. I welcome the change!

Other related posts: Public Transit is for Lovers; Why I Sold My Car, or How I Learned to Stop Driving and Love the Bus

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One country, younger than my parents, defying the odds at its inception and surviving many challenges during these last 60 years. With the help of some and despite the enmity of others, Israel has survived. As the news of this beautiful national bird circles the globe, those of us who give great importance to environmental and political issues can celebrate too. The choosing of this bird has brought the Society of the Protection of Nature in Israel, the Israel Ornithological Society and the Jerusalem Bird Observatory into the limelight. Bringing them attention and hopefully financial donations to help their environmental causes. In an article from the Associated Press, Ornithologist Amir Balaban stated,

“We’re moving into our adulthood, as an adult state we should be working on protecting our environment.”

He, of course, is referring to Israel as a nation moving into their adulthood. I believe we can apply that as citizens of a great country and global community. We should all be working on protecting our environment.

Photo Credit: belgianchocolate via Flickr under Creative Commons Liscense

The Price – how is it determined?

Asia Times Online reports that approximately 60% of the price of oil per barrel is determined by

“…unregulated futures speculation by hedge funds, banks and financial groups using the London ICE Futures and New York Nymex futures exchanges and uncontrolled inter-bank or over-the-counter trading to avoid scrutiny”.

This report goes on to explain how oil futures are purchased using a system that creates a leverage that helps drive prices continually higher.

Also, constant talk of our oil supply depleting (often referred to as “peak oil”) causes the price to continue to rise. Despite current big oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Brazil making plans to extract more oil and recent reports by the American Geological Survey showing an estimated 3.65 billion barrels of oil in the Bakken there is still talk of the world’s oil supply being diminished.

What can we do?

It is apparent that the world still has an oil supply, big business is determining the price of oil and we are still purchasing gas for daily consumption. Out of necessity or desire we can make a decision to purchase less gas. We can make a statement with our purchasing power. Until we, as a community, decide to stop (or greatly reduce) buying gas at these prices, the prices will continue to rise.

Again we return to the pursuit of alternative energy. As a community we must continue this pursuit. As products and services grow, business opportunities grow too and we will see “money talk”. When we start spending our time and resources on things other than gas and oil the government will jump on board too. We can begin today, avoiding the gas pump!

Photo Credit: gimlack on Flickr

Following the press conference, APRN spoke with Senator Ted Stevens. Legislation sponsored by Senator Stevens and Senator Lisa Murkowski, both from Alaska, allows for drilling in a designated section of ANWR if the price of oil reaches $125 per barrel and stays at that price for five consecutive days. These two Senators are advocates of drilling ANWR to obtain our own oil in order to drastically reduce the amount of oil we import from the middle east. Based on the amount of oil currently purchased and used per day, they say the oil obtained from ANWR would reduce our price at the pump.

According to Senator Stevens’ web site he supports a balanced approach to the energy crisis which includes retrieving domestic oil, conservation, and alternative energy sources. I agree with Senator Stevens, we need a balanced approach. Is drilling ANWR the answer? In April it was reported that billions of barrels of oil are sitting under the Bakken Shale, and that area is already being drilled. Would it make more sense to continue and expand our efforts there?

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