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Obama: I Still Like Drilling, But ...

The Gulf spill shows why it must be done 'responsibly'

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2010 12:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – In the wake of the spill off the Louisiana coast, how goes President Obama's plan to expand offshore drilling? After statements from the president and a top aide, it amounts to: We'll see. The president reiterated today that he likes the idea as part of an overall energy plan. "But," he added, "I've always said it must be done responsibly, for the safety of our workers and our environment." He's ordered a 30-day investigation into what happened, reports USA Today.

His comments followed David Axelrod's statement to ABC this morning that plans to lift the moratorium are on hold until the Gulf investigation is complete. Given that any potential drilling is years away, that doesn't have much practical effect. "All he has said is that he's not going to continue the moratorium but no additional drilling has been authorized and none will until we find out what happened here and whether there was something unique and preventable here."

Dr. Erica Miller gives a dose of Pepto-Bismol to a Northern Gannet bird covered in oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill.
Dr. Erica Miller gives a dose of Pepto-Bismol to a Northern Gannet bird covered in oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Dr. Erica Miller, left, and Danene Birtell clean an oil-covered bird Friday in Fort Jackson, La.
Dr. Erica Miller, left, and Danene Birtell clean an oil-covered bird Friday in Fort Jackson, La.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
An Aprl 21 photo of the explosion.
An Aprl 21 photo of the explosion.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
tap
Sep 7, 2011 6:08 PM CDT
Does anyone here realize how important oil is to our daily life?  If you are stupid enough to support the moratorium, try living one day without driving your car or using anything with plastic. Obama: I Still Like Drilling, But ...I hate Americans having jobs. (While driving around in Canadian-made bus)
Count-Spatula
Apr 30, 2010 10:05 PM CDT
Idiot. "I still like drilling ...because I'm beholden to the oil industry just like Bush was. and I'm still going to wait this out rather than actually lead."
Landshark
Apr 30, 2010 7:45 PM CDT
Apparently BP only contracted the rig, but does not own it (can you say legal maneuvering). It was not fit with a remote control cut-off valve, as found on the coastline drilling rigs of many less wealthy countries. Again, hate to outline the failure or lack of concern...but a head on the platter owuld be nice for once!

 
environment • Louisiana • Gulf of Mexico • David Axelrod • Obama administration • President Obama • British Petroleum • Obama offshore drilling • Gulf oil spill

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