Mackinac Center doesn't value our Great Lakes when it comes to oil drilling
The Mackinac Center should be ashamed for even thinking of allowing any kind of drilling in the Great Lakes.
Why the Mackinac Center has been pushing back on directional drilling is beyond me. Do they really think that Michigan can afford a spill like the BP oil quagmire? Why would we risk putting Michigan workers, families, and children through such a mess? It seems to me that the Mackinac Center doesn’t value our lakes or our people here in Michigan.
However, I am pleased that Rep. (Rebekah) Warren’s Great Lakes committee passed plans that would allow a vote by Michiganders to constitutionally ban drilling in the Great Lakes. It will ensure that folks at the Mackinac Center don’t finagle legislators into repealing the law that currently stands against directional drilling in the Great Lakes.
Andrew Eckhous West Bloomfield Student at the University of Michigan
Comments
A2artteacher
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
Can you imagine the effect drilling would have on tourism? The lakes are big, but not THAT big.
Dawn Nelson
Sat, Jul 10, 2010 : 11:55 a.m.
It is important to remember that the Great Lakes are freshwater, not salty. Whereas the spill in the Gulf Coast is tragic, freshwater should also be considered in context of its life sustaining qualities. It is possible to develop a sustainable energy economy that does not risk such degradation of the natural environment. Cheers to petroleum but I think it's time to think outside the box.
nxil2009
Tue, Jul 6, 2010 : 5:57 p.m.
The disaster in the Gulf demonstrates the truth of the axiom, "accidents will happen". I am not against drilling but it seems that the Great Lakes are far more susceptible catastrophe if there was a similar accident than with the enormity of the oceans. This is not to minimize what is going on in the Gulf but only to suggest that the Great Lakes are far less voluminous. I will also admit that I am by no means an expert on the safety or hazards of drill in the Great Lakes. But what I do know is that if we have oil we should get it as safely as possible. Not to say that it has to be risk free but that it should be done with firm and adequate contingency plans in place. It is not a reasoned argument to say that being for drilling in the Great Lakes is foolhardy and therefore being against it is noble.
Sam
Tue, Jul 6, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
Andrew, Commerce drives people's livelihoods...where do you think this country would be without industry? Do you have any idea how much petroleum is used in everything YOU use in your life ever day? Have you no faith with science and manufacturing? I suggest you accept the reality of life, or move into a glass box (which is also made from petroleum) and live your life.