Obama’s Haste On Resumed Offshore Drilling

[n2doc]

By ANDREW C. REVKIN
In the face of America’s oil addiction two things seem to fade fast — the wallet shock of $4-a-gallon gasoline and the political impact of an oil spill, once it’s stanched.

This year’s Gulf of Mexico gusher seemed to pose potent political perils just a few months ago, but all along its significance was blunted by the reality that it did not affect oil or gas prices, which have stayed relatively low. So while it was upsetting for shrimpers, marine biologists and coastal communities, it was really a yawn for the average American.

That lack of political punch is crystal clear now, as the Obama administration, perhaps hoping to help embattled Democrats at the polls next month, has ended its moratorium on offshore oil drilling for companies that, as the news release headline puts it, clear a “higher bar for safety, environmental protection.”

While the bar may be higher for approvals, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was plainspoken in trying to convey the overall message, saying: “We are open for business.”

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http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/obamas-haste-on-resumed-offshore-drilling/

Act in haste, repent at leisure....