So what are the disadvantages and advantages of expanding drilling off the California coast?

[XemaSab]

I'm looking for facts, not speculation. Thanks.

[Tikki]

1. Tourism fuels much of the....the Central Coastal

economy. If a leak or spill contaminates our coast the beaches will be
closed and tourists will go elsewhere (like the Oregon Coast) to enjoy
their vacation time and spend their money. That's the short answer.

And worst of all it would mar our beautiful
ocean and beaches and damage flora and fauna.....and we Californians
would be, ultimately, responsible.



Tikki

[Blaze Diem]

2. To gain the advantage, the SF Bay area (for instance) and other

protected areas along the coastline would have to be deemed unusable for human or aquatic life forms.
This would make existing environmental laws hich now prevent drilling, moot.

Was the Coast Guard ordered to look the other way when the recent tanker collision occurred?
Might be speculation on my part, (sorry) but if there is a barrier to oil drilling, Bushco seems to create a disaster that gives the green light to oil profiteering. i.e. IRAQ, & their attempts at Alaska.

They need to negate the laws that protect these areas first. That is their advantage in the politics of it all. Deem the protected area unuseable.