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Local elections generally do not generate a great deal of
excitement.
The uproar over oil drilling in Hermosa Beach, with Measure
O, however, attracted national as well as local attention. The measure failed
three to one. No surprise there.
O, however, attracted national as well as local attention. The measure failed
three to one. No surprise there.
I fear that some Measure O advocates did not answer fears
about potential oil spills and explosions.
No wants an Exxon-Valdez disaster along our coasts. However, that
disaster was nearly three decades ago. Technology has advanced, delivery of
energy supplies has improved, and emergency response times have grown more
efficient over time. One Hermosa Beach resident told me that if the safeguards
were clear and convincing, he would have supported Measure O.
about potential oil spills and explosions.
No wants an Exxon-Valdez disaster along our coasts. However, that
disaster was nearly three decades ago. Technology has advanced, delivery of
energy supplies has improved, and emergency response times have grown more
efficient over time. One Hermosa Beach resident told me that if the safeguards
were clear and convincing, he would have supported Measure O.
Consider this example, which demonstrates the worst-case
scenario.
scenario.
The media and environmentalist groups don’t talk about the
2010 oil spill along the Gulf Coast. British Petroleum went into high gear, not
just with strong PR campaigns (including the resignation of the CEO, who went
sailing will oil was filling up the Gulf Coast). They went to work and cleaned
up the mess. The commerce, wildlife, and tourism industries have never been
better in the region. Anyone whose business was harmed received remuneration
from BP and assistance from the federal government.
2010 oil spill along the Gulf Coast. British Petroleum went into high gear, not
just with strong PR campaigns (including the resignation of the CEO, who went
sailing will oil was filling up the Gulf Coast). They went to work and cleaned
up the mess. The commerce, wildlife, and tourism industries have never been
better in the region. Anyone whose business was harmed received remuneration
from BP and assistance from the federal government.
One Hermosa Beach resident, who voted for Measure O, told me
that in Torrance one can pass twenty derricks and never see or smell anything.
that in Torrance one can pass twenty derricks and never see or smell anything.
Let us keep in mind that energy exploration will always have
risks, but those potential concerns have been greatly mitigated over the past
decade.
risks, but those potential concerns have been greatly mitigated over the past
decade.