Some years ago during a slowdown in North Sea drilling I had to go to a semi-submersible anchored in a firth. When I went ashore and called for a hotel room part of the sales pitch was the lovely view of the rigs. I always wondered how many were impressed by that presentation.
Growing up in New England, I always wondered why so many tourist dollars were spent by people traveling to see the color of leaves change (it happened every year in my backyard...and I had to rake them up).
On my initial visit to Santa Barbara, or somewhere on the west coast, I was impressed by the lighted off shore rigs that I saw during my off shore night flights’ approach.
Similar, perhaps, to leaf peepers, visitors to New York City’s skyscrapers or tar pits?
There are many impressive sights to be seen in this country, both natural and man made.
I’m NOT impressed by the hypocritical “ethics” of those who abide by them only when it doesn’t affect them or eventually their income.
Perhaps, the ‘tourist’ industry should “contribute” a percentage of their income to the oil rigs?
Y’know, spreading the wealth around, or as retribution?