President Obama has surprised environmentalists by proposing oil drilling in the Atlantic from Delaware to Central Florida, and in some areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.
At the same time, he is not allowing oil drilling in South Florida waters and in parts of the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.
In so doing, he has angered both environmentalists and Republicans, because he has gone too far for the former and too limited for the latter.
Obama says he recognizes that fossil fuels are not the long term future, but argues that some further exploration is needed to help the energy situation over the next two to three decades.
The danger to the coastlines of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Arctic is still a worrisome thing, although Obama claims that methods of oil rigging and shipping are such that the danger is far less than it was years ago. There is also the concern over danger to wildife and ocean species, but he claims that he is following a safe, measured approach.
Basically, Obama is trying to come down squarely in the middle–allowing some energy development and growth, but being still cautious enough to displease Republicans and conservatives who think all areas should be open to oil drilling.
This adds to the growing perception by thoughtful observers that Obama is really a moderate centrist who will never be able to please the extreme left of his party, and of course, will continue to be called a “socialist” by the far right and the Republican opposition.
Despite this disappointment that many environmentalists feel, it seems to the author that Obama’s head is in the right place, and that, overall, his environmental policies will be seen as more positive and productive in the long haul!
And in the long run, being a moderate centrist with a tip to the left is not a bad place to be for an American President!