For some places that would be fine, but for areas which rely on tourism dollars the NIMBY argument does carry weight.
Especially considering technologies such as slant drilling. There’s absolutely no need to put tourism dollars at risk when you don’t have to.
“There’s absolutely no need to put tourism dollars at risk when you don’t have to.”
How in the hell does an oil platform put tourism dollars at risk!
Does a ship passing by drive everyone inland?
Shove your it isn’t natural up your backside!
No one is touring ... there is no tourism as it once was .... no one can afford it.
Nothing personal, but I think that the “threat to tourism” angle is just dumb. Somebody should ask Santa Barbara if oil rigs at sea bothers tourists.
On the contrary, many tourists go to Santa Barbara just to see the infamous oil rigs.
re: put tourism dollars at risk when you don’t have to.
I can think of few things that would put tourism dollars at risk more surely than an oil embargo or some other serious interruption to the oil flow. In Florida’s case it would not only disrupt tourism to our beaches, but also to every other tourist attraction in our state. Oil rigs, OTOH, even in full view of the beach goers would affect only that section of beach. A spill, God forbid, would have the same effect, although much more devastating.
Sadly, we could do a lot to ease our energy problems by using more nuclear energy. I suggest a trade, no oil rigs along the coast in return for new nuclear power sources. I’m tired of environmentalists being able to have it both ways. It’s time they give up something!
Beyond that, things get darned expensive.
The total height of an offshore drilling rig (from the water to the crown of the derrick) would be about 200 ft. That would be visible from the beach for roughly 20 miles.
If tourists can get used to fast food places and hotels near the 'pristine beaches', the sight of something offshore should not offend them.
As for environmental damage, no one from oil companies or drilling companies wants that, either, and every reasonable precaution is taken (and then some) to prevent problems.
Lissen, Santa Barbara beaches are not exactly slum territory! I have lived in three states where many a person has an oil well in the front yard, side yard, or back 40 (NY, Texas, CA,) I have seen wells in OH, PA. It is just no big deal. Beverly Hills is smack dab in the middle of an old, very productive oil field. Look bad to you?