I need help with class debate!?

Question

My class is having a debate and I need help finding some info.

The topic question is: Should the U.S. open up off shore drilling for oil.

We are on the cons (against it) side of the debate. Can anyone help. If you could leave the website or book source from where you got your information, that would be great.

Answer 1

I admit I am for the proposal. However, I'll offer some tips for your side of the debate.

1. Potential environmental hazards, such as oil spills. The Exxon Valdez is one example but there are many others. Where there are is oil, there is pollution. Recently San Francisco bay was "victimized" by an oil spill. Such things can kill wildlife and be costly to clean up.

2. Pristine areas can become industrialized. On the California coast where I live, industry that is normally far away is brought home. I live in a tourist destination, and oil may harm the incoming tourist dollars. Thus tourism could decrease. (This is actually two separate points.)

3. Little beneficial effect on the local economy. Those who reap the benefits are distant. The country as a whole may benefit, and the oil companies and their investors may likewise benefit, but those dollars tend to not effect the local population.

4. Aesthetic. People just don't looking at oil derricks on an ocean that is now pristine.

5. Political. Generally Republicans are more favorable to the idea than Democrats--for whatever reason. Again in my area, which is Democratic, people wear their politics on their sleeve.