Op-ed: Technology can tap into oil reserves safely

Jane Van Ryan
Posted October 19, 2009

Another voice in the news can be added to the list of those favoring increased access to our nation's offshore oil and natural gas resources. Last week, a Florida Sun-Sentinel op-ed authored by Dave Mica, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Council, discussed the new jobs, increased revenues, and energy security that offshore energy development could bring to the nation and the state of Florida--all with minimal impact to the surrounding environment.

Mica says:

"Through advanced technology, the oil and natural gas industry has reduced its environmental footprint, minimizing the impact on ecosystems and wildlife. The industry finds, develops and delivers oil and natural gas while leaving the Earth nearly untouched -- a fact all Americans need to remember. With these technological developments, oil and natural gas companies can now access the same amount of reserves with half the number of wells it took 20 years ago."

Mica adds that offshore energy development also could create 13,142 jobs in Florida, helping the state address its nearly 11 percent unemployment rate.