The Wall Street Journal reported that John McCain again issued a plea for more offshore oil drilling, suggesting it would not take long for consumers to see the benefits. McCain did not mention that the most promising spots for quick offshore production are off the coast of California, where state and local officials oppose the drilling. McCain wants to lift the federal ban and leave the decision to the states. While there is increasing support for drilling off the coast of Florida, it would take years to explore and drill new wells in the Gulf of Mexico.
McCain made his comments after meeting with officials from the California Independent Producers Association and San Joaquin Facility Management in Bakersfield. This is at least the second time he has made a case for offshore drilling in California—he did so earlier in Santa Barbara, on the coast, home of an infamous 1969 oil spill.
Source: WSJ