I Have a Suggestion

President Bush withdrew the offshore drilling ban. The crude market reacted by dropping nearly 20% before any appreciable uptick.

Does that mean that even one more drill site is struck and pumping? Absolutely not, but as I have stated in this blog before, perception is reality.

Now, I have a suggestion…

I am asking Congress to put away its partisan ways and Al Gore-inspired paranoia and think of the American citizens for a moment. Before THEY go on vacation, clear one piece of legislation of their desks: rescind the offshore drilling ban to the outer continental shelf. It’s a compromise, no doubt, but it’s a good start.

Americans get the signal that the Congress is actually doing something. Coastal states don’t have to worry about a derrick that’s at least 50 miles offshore, so their tourism business is safe. And environmental extremists get…well, two out of three ain’t bad.

Can I make a prediction? Watch the price of crude – I’ll bet you dollars to Dunkin’ Donuts you will see prices drop.

While we’re at it, want another drop in oil, in turn gas prices? (This is a message to the Big Three auto makers) Build fuel smart cars and trucks! An announcement alone will help the ailing industry and conserve at the same time.

With global giants like ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell raking in record profits, falling oil prices will lower those profits too. Not to mention that expanded drilling area means more R&D dollars spent rather than record profit money paid to the shareholders.

Don’t leave it up to me to come up with all the suggestions. Come up with some of your own. Let me know, let your congress rep and senators know. Tell John McCain and Barack Obama that they have to come up with a comprehensive energy plan – not a speech to say we need to use less. Because that speech doesn’t resonate with the citizens of developing nations.

Congress, after you clean your desks, be sure to shut out the lights.

Bush Blames Congress For Inaction on Oil Drilling – WSJ.com.