On May 18th, the Senate rejected a bill for off-shore drilling for gas and oil and a speedier process of approving permits for drilling. One of the greatest reasons cited was the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last summer. Though the Republican bill included plans for cleanup and containment in the case of a spill, it was still voted down 57 to 42. Many Democrats felt that this plan was reckless and that it would damage the delicate coastal areas.
Before watching Gasland and learning about the mining processes that are used to get to oil and gas, I probably wouldn't have cared too much either way. The documentary really brough to light that seriousness of the situation and how much is at stake if these coastal areas are damaged. I completely I agree that this bill would have made it too easy to recieve drilling permits and find the Republican reasoning that it will lower gas prices to be weak at best. The short-sightedness is concerning and makes me wonder what experts are telling them that this bill wouldn't do any lasting damage to the environment.
