Why do you insist we Americans are so special that we must no endure the environmental consequences of our crude oil consumption? If we are going to consume it, we should endure the negative consequences. Why is it only OK if the consequences are endured by people far from our shores?

If increased domestic production is unacceptable, lead by example. Park your automobile and strap on your roller skates. You might also consider using something other then toilet paper before you exit the bathroom.

We have lived on cheap energy for so long that it is easy for us to overlook the low-hanging fruit on efficiency. (Notice I did not say conservation). Efficiency means picking the right fuels for the right applications and using them wisely.

We could meet Kyoto by shuttering every coal-fired plant and using only natural gas to create electricity. But we could also wash dishes with single-malt scotch.

What we can’t do is shutter every coal-fired plant and live off the sun and wind. Not yet anyway, and maybe never, but if we don’t become more domestic in our energy solutions we will end up beholden to the Chinese for lithium to make batteries for our cars, just as we are today dependent on foreign oil.

The truth is that we need more domestic oil supplies to come online. There are more spills from tankers than from pipelines. With population growth comes greater energy needs. We need more of everything. Do we continue to buy it from countries that hate us? Is it ok with us for THEM to drill while we “keep our beaches pristine”? Then again, when they run out, we’re sitting pretty……

We need all forms to be developed. Oil, Gas, Nuclear, Wind, Solar, and anything else we can think of.

Natural seeps are not a “bad fact for me.” According to the National Research Council of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, natural seeps contribute 46% of marine oil pollution. That part is beyond our control. The other half is our fault. Why add to it?

Does a bear shit in the woods? Isn’t that “natural?” Is that an excuse for people to shit in the street?

Also, in the interest of being 100% accurate, since I believe that is a virtue, the National Academy of Sciences has documented that every year there is more oil in the marine environment from “natural seeps” than from wells, platforms and pipelines. That’s a bad fact for you, but it’s a fact, and it ain’t made up.

I agree with your point that “not a drop was spilled” is untrue, but the point you are trying to make is equally misleading.