The Environment: Energy policy, Obama style

BBC: Barack Obama eases offshore oil drilling ban

Oil firms could be given the chance to explore for reserves off the US coast for the first time in decades, under plans outlined by President Obama.

The White House says drilling will be allowed off Virginia and considered off much of the rest of the Atlantic coast.

The plans would overturn moratoriums on exploration put in place in the 1980s.

Analysts say the move, designed to cut dependency on foreign oil, is aimed at appeasing Republicans to help pass Mr Obama's climate-change proposals.

Here's a prime example of environmental policy. Yes, the United States is ridiculously dependent on oil. At the same time, its gigantic greenhouse gas emissions are contributing very powerfully to global warming. So what's the Obama administration's solution? Drill for more oil!

To make this case very briefly, in my opinion, the convergence of several trends offers a unique opportunity for true vision in politics. First, the sorry state of the American automobile industry. Secondly, increasing awareness of the strategic impacts of US dependency on imported oil. Third, increasing awareness of the need to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. President, how about doing something to address all these concerns at the same time? Don't invest in more oil; invest in hydrogen or electric vehicles to replace petroleum-driven cars. There is significant technology emerging in both: a hydrogen supply network is operating in LA today, and electric cars continue to take giant leaps forward. Making an investment in these forms of propulsion now could restore the US automobile industry to global leadership. And hey, you're basically the chairman of the board of every car company in the States except Ford anyway after the bailouts.

But instead, Mr. President, you make a little money letting people you don't know drill for oil. So much for green jobs, right?

I firmly believe that the biggest obstacle to fighting global warming is, at the end of the day, the unwillingness of governments to pay more than lip service to actually doing anything. Here's another example.