BP Seeks to Resume Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico

If you plant trees to replace the trees you cut down, you always have trees.

If you plant more trees than you cut down, you will end up with more trees than you cut down.

If you do not plant trees to replace the trees you cut down, you end up with no trees.

Nicely said Echo...but you know its ALL about MONEY !

The BTU is the unit of measurement of thermal energy---not horsepower. Fuels contain potential thermal energy---engines convert thermal energy into kinetic energy.

In Brazil, ethanol is the primary biofuel. Ethanol is produced from sugarcane. Sugarcane grows in the Mato Grosso region. Mata Grosso is analogous to the Great Plains, it is Savannah land. There are NO rainforests in Matta Grosso. The closest rainforest to Matta Grosso is 1200 miles away. .

=======" / Some that are not mentioned is that you do not get the same amount of horse power per gallon and are thus inefficient, they gum up modern engines far more than fossil fuels"=========

Watch the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day. The fastest, most advanced race cars in the world, the Indy League Racing Circuit all run on 100% ethanol. And the Indy racers have run on alcohol base fuels for over 45 years.

You don't have a clue what you are talking about.

BTW Retsnom-----to achieve synchrous orbit a satelite has to be 24,000 miles above the surface of the earth. You are going to need a VERY long extension cord if you plan to get your energy that way.

Terrific post! +^'d

Well, well, well. If we use biofuels, ethanol, biodiesel, methane we won't have to buy any oil from the Brazilians.

The Brazilians figured out 40 years ago that if they don't use oil, then they have it to sell. So the Brazilians got busy and figured out ways to run their vehicles without petroleum. And they put the subsidies and policies in place to make it happen. And they followed through and stuck with their policies. NOW, the Brazilians use ethanol, methane and biodiesel----and only 50% of the oil they used 20 years. And they are working hard to make it NO petroleum at all.

So, who are they going to sell their oil TO?

Maybe, the estupido gringos up north would be a good choice. They use twice as much oil as they did 20 years ago---and they are willing to pay 5 times as much as they did 20 years ago.

As for buying from the Brazilians----it seems to me that eliminating ethanol subsidies and tariffs and buying ethanol from Brazil instead of US farmers is a Republican mantra---not favored by the Democrats.

They sell us all their cocaine, why not oil? The American government will deliver both for free, they already do!

That theory was interesting when I encountered it, and actually backed up with tons of facts about it. I will try to find a link in a bit.

The theory is that there are elements in the coorporate world who have realized that large benefits are reaped by certain groups when any kind of strife breaks out like war or disaster and because of that information the group is pushing the world ecology to the breaking point to provide a never ending string of catastrophe and therefor never ending revenue stream...

Money for suffering...old tune, new lyrics.

Not so invested in conspiracy theories - they are getting very old.

Greed breeds opportunists though. I have wondered if the official governmental attitude has not been swayed by BP to continue drilling with no safety improvements since The BP Blowout and Massive Oil Spill and Dispersant Decimation has destroyed all life for centuries to come anyway.
Because of this, I would keep a very close eye on any and all Alaskan oil projects...not to mention mainland gas drilling = fracking!

Your Friend is right!

the devastation of The Gulf will never be "finished cleaning up"

The Gulf is gone. When a Cajun fisherman will not eat his own catch, something is very wrong! Locals are not eating anything from the water and are questioning anything grown on the land nearby. Much sickness in the local population - not just the cleanup crews..

On the same note, I was watching yet another program and the Coasties aren't letting people clean up in the marshes because they say it makes the emulsion worse. Any wildlife that inhabits these areas die.

Dammit to hell. Dammit.

Hello.... That is why we are raging a 3 pronged was in the middle east, because we are not allowed to get it here. While again I am no fan of BP and their failings and their lack of accountability, we have legislated ourselves out of the energy business with over regulations and the costs of building new refineries and the like.

You say well dump that money into new technologies but that is no guarantee of their success or ability to meet demand. These technologies are too immature to even scratch a dent in demand not to mention that no one wants a giant windmill in "their" backyard.

Don't get me wrong here in that I want safety procedures to be fully implemented and new ones invented and applied and if accidents happen then full accountability. But we are double shooting ourselves in the foot by not doing everything to make us self sufficient and not dependent on those that hate us and paying them to do so.

I think the jury is still out on oil being a finite resource as some of the latest research says that it may be created from the core. That aside I do not totally disagree with you but moneys are already being funneled into the new technologies even by these so called hated energy companies. The reality is that the new technologies are not even close to fulfilling demands even in the near future.

The funny truth about the oil companies is that they only have around a 9% profit margin. While their profits are record setting the margins are very slim. The only reason they are so high is because the companies are H U GE and spend billions in investment and risk. While I am not a fan of their tactics and they lack responsibility during accidents they are the ones that created the technologies and have the equipment to do what they do. Just watch an episode of "how do they Do that" on science channel to see what some of the giant equipment costs just so that we can enjoy our modern lifestyle.

SO how many of you would invest in a company for 9% profit with all that risk knowing everyone is depending on you but hates you at the same time?

"[L]atest research says that it may be created from the core." Do you have a citation or source for that?

Very interested in that as well...

Please site your 9% profit margin quote, would love to look into that pile.

As would I, please.

while posting tech articles of potential alternatives is great they are still not in production and probably will not be anytime soon due to scalability for one. These are all great potential resources that need to be exploited and I am sure they will be. I am really glad you didn't post anything about biofuels because that is a perfect example of what looks good up front is horrible in practice. I am sure many of these technologies may fall the way of biofuels do because it costs more to produce it than you get out of it.

I am pretty up to speed with most of what you have posted. My favorite is the using photosynthetic bacteria or algae. I never said that the technologies were backwards but immature, still in the research and testing phase and we still do not know the costs of production and if we get out more than we put in once we scale it up and into full production.

I myself have been toying with a design for electrical generator that uses Nickel Cobalt permanent magnets arranged in a cyclonic array attached to a gyroscopic flywheel wrapped in a coil. Well that is the design at it's basic explanation as I could go into great detail about it. I have had this in my head for years and just now having the lightweight materials with the strength to handle the stresses. I still have bearing issues along with alignment problems to get this really off the ground and running. But that is another story.

Whether or not Thomas Gold's theory of oil being produced from the Earth's core is correct, the fact remains that in places where oil had first been drilled have seen their deposits depleted. The U.S. saw its own "Oil Rush" come and go. Even if we drilled into every known oil reserve on this planet, the rate at which we consume is painfully unsustainable. So Thomas Gold might right that the Earth's core produce oil, but it sure takes too long to produce for us to continue depending on it. The entire planet could transform its energy dependence to renewable resources in 25 years, and yet people want to discuss why we should just stick with oil---sad.

I am not a geologist so I cannot evaluate the quotes, but I know one and will have to get back to you. However, those are not primary sources [scientific papers] --that is what I meant. I will look into their claims and evidence.

Biofuels do not need to be refined.

Ethanol is a finished product when it is produced. Besides being a superior fuel, ethanol is also a base ingredient for thousands of products----including butadeine, artificial rubber. In WW2 the US faced a critical shortage of natural rubber due to the activity of German and Japanese Uboats. We used butadeine, made from ethanol produced from wood logging and milling waste at a plant in Wisconsin. Butadeine was used for everything that needed rubber---tires, bushings, gaskets, etc. for millions of ships, airplanes, tanks, trucks, jeeps, even boot soles---all made with ethanol produced from wood in Wisconsin. Without ethanol made from wood, we'd have lost WW2 before we even got into it.

Biodiesel needs no refining. In order to make biodiesel from plant or animal lipids, it is put through the process of transesterification----a simple process similar to soap making. This removes several components such as glycerin that is a high value lipid that is the chemical basis for thousands of products from lipstick to dynamite.

Natural gas is both a fossil fuel and a biofuel. We can produce methane(natural gas) from any type of organic material at all, includiing sewage and landfills---we've been doing it for over 150 years. We can do anything that needs to be done with methane. We can generate electricity or power our vehicles. We even have catalytic fuel cells that can produce electricity from methane. And fossil methane can be mixed with biomethane in any proportion to produce any amount we need with no loss of performance in any application. Chemically, it is exactly the same stuff, CH4. To purchase the same amount of BTUs(thermal energy) contained in a barrel of oil costing a little over $100 costs about $16 to $20 in natural gas right now.

To produce the same amount of energy as coal----natural gas produces less than 1/2 the CO2. To produce the same amount of energy as petroleum, natural gas produces only about 65% the CO2. If all of the vehicles currently on the road were powered with natural gas----the CO2 produced would be equivalent to taking every third vehicle off the road.

-------" I am really glad you didn't post anything about biofuels because that is a perfect example of what looks good up front is horrible in practice."-------

Brazil has replaced 50% of their transportation fuel needs with ethanol---and continue to add to that lead.

======" The entire planet could transform its energy dependence to renewable resources in 25 years, and yet people want to discuss why we should just stick with oil---sad."=======

I hope they don't have as much problem with changing their underwear as they do with changing their mind.

Nothing is guaranteed in the beginning. In any case, we would have been MUCH farther along on new technologes if we'd paid attention during the energy crisis in the 70s and gotten started then. But once the oil supply loosened up, we went right back to old habits. It's a bit like the old story of the guy with the leaky roof who, when the sun came out, didn't start any repairs. When asked why, he said, "It's not leaking now!" Same thing happened again with the last spike in oil prices followed by a dip.

Wonder why people are voting you down on this, unless its about the biofuels remark. (I do believe if we go that way that cellulosic makes more sense than corn-based, but beyond that I claim no special knowledge). You can be a pain from time to time but this all sounds reasonable to me. If you have the tech knowhow and some feasible ideas, I applaud you for it.

We'll see then. it's difficult to understand why they would be given new leases without the right to drill on them. I don't know that we can believe the U.S. driling agency any more than we can believe any other government agency. They have all lied to the American public, over and over.

WHAT?!?!?!

Screw the "better technology".

Biofuels can do anything that petroleum can do. They can do it safer, cleaner and better. We can make them from materials we have right here, using workers who live here and spend their wages here.

What we need is a mandate that all new vehicles sold in the US be multifuel and biofuel capable.

Let consumers decide what fuel they want to run their vehicles with.

Biofuel is definitely preferable to fossil fuel. However, because it can lead to deforestation for more arable land, and can demand more water from already diminishing underground aquifers as well as result in the conversion of food producing acreage to biofuel producing acreage, it is not the first and most ideal solution. Solar, wind, tidal and other emerging sustainable energies should be the priority. When it comes to producing biomass in water masses which are not otherwise not significantly utilized, or biologically important, I give biomass 2 thumbs up!

Agreed!!! Before it's too Late...

lols then what? Guess you don't like modern conveniences so get off your computer, get off the power grid, lose your car, anything with plastic.... people like you are not only short sided but ignorant. Thanks for playing....

Biofuels can do anything that petroleum can do. And they can do it safer, cleaner and better.

We have safe, renewable ways of generating electricity that do not destroy the environment, and leave the air and water clean.

Black liquor is a by product of pulp making for paper and cardboard. Black liquor is the biologic equivalent of crude oil. Anything made with crude oil can be made with black liquor.

We have no need for oil or coal. We can do without them. And we have the capacity to replace them quickly and inexpensively.

We have had bioplastics for over 20 years now, just has been overlooked until recently. There is a new nano material being made from cellulose that is stonger then steel, yet far more maliable in its production of items. There is also a new bioplastic that gets stronger as it is heated instead of melting. gizmomag.com

the paper industry as it is at moment will crumble when industrial hemp resumes production in this country.

Actually you really need to to look into bio fuels, their costs to produce vs actual Hp provided. It is truly a scam and cannot deliver what it claims, not even close.

That statement will come as a great surprise to the people who build and drive the fastest and most advanced race cars in the world. The Indy League Racing Circuit.

The Indy League racers use a 3L Honda V8 engine that typically develops 1200-1600 bhp, yet has a smaller displacement than most 6 cylinder engines on the road today. This is about the same amount of horsepower as 3-4 18 wheel, OTR diesel rigs. Indy League cars achieve speeds of up to 260 mph.

Indy league race cars all use 100% ethanol fuel----and have used alcohol based fuels exclusively for over 45 years.

But, you don't have to take my word for it----you can tune in on Memorial Day Sunday and see for yourself what ethanol fuel can do. Watch the Indianapolis 500 next month.

so that you could have products that allow you to post your ignorance.

There is a difference between owning a laptop and filling the Gulf with oil and killing priceless marine life. But to haters like you, it must be the same. What are you a BP exec?

LOLS how is enjoying modern lifestyle = hate? You really have no idea how much Oil effects your life do you? While I am not a fan of BP I do realize what buying oil from 13 century haters of America is like as well as how this entire country and your liberal lifestyle is based on oil. Love it or hate it, it is the current reality for the next 50+ years till technology can catch up with demand. SO figure out the big picture and quit being myopic and short sited.

You are the one being short sighted and myopic here.

We have perfectly capable substitutes for oil, coal and nuclear power. They are cleaner, safer, and more cost effective.

We've had them for years----in many cases over 100 years. They are all tried, tested and proven.

We do not need oil at all.

Dude let that argument go, it's pointless and easily proven incorrect.

Quit calling other people myopic if you are unwilling to at least explore thier points of view or evidence to the contrary of your own points.

references? It is ok, I will wait.....

Ethanol, biodiesel, methane(natural gas, or biogas).

The very first Model T Ford that Henry Ford introduced in 1908 could be ordered with an adjustable Holly carburetor that could be set to either gasoline or ethanol use. Flex Fuel option that allows the use of E85(85% ethanol) can be ordered on a wide range of vehicles and does not cost any more than a conventional gasoline only engine.

The very first engine Rudolf Diesel built in 1893 ran on peanut oil. Diesel engines can use biodiesel with no modification. The only diesel fuel that you can buy now is ULSD---B5(5% biodiesel).

I made a number of trips in an SUV powered with compressed natural gas, including trips from my home in Riga, Latvia to Kiev, Ukraine,(2000 km, about 1200 miles), Moscow, Russian Federation(about 1600 km.) and Warsaw, Poland, St. Petersburg RF. The trips were totally uneventful from a mechanical standpoint.

Owned, also water powered engines. Helium 3, duh.

It can't be said better than that ....

Yup. That's the Agenda... Let them use pesticides that have proven to cause cancer, Raise the cost of healthcare and the last one to the finish line is the Winner...

Yeah- but which party, or person- controls permitting? Is that a committee position that could have 'changed hands', also'??

SamFL, That's a Great question... How do you read it??? I am saddened sometimes with my POTUS but don't really think he is in Charge to begin with... Too many strings being pulled on him...

LOLS Obama can do no wrong....

kb- I'm not sure- but if we survived 8 yrs of dubya, can't we give him the benefit of time as well?
He has a lot of shit being thrown at him- and I Do admire his grace under fire.
The issues he's dealing with took years to screw up- it's gonna take years to fix.
Plus, having a herd of assholes in the House isn't helping!
Don't be discouraged, a little patience is in order now perhaps..

SamFL Sorry to get back with you so late, I do agree with and Appreciate your reply.... Thanks. =)

Quiet You!!!! You are Scaring the Children!!!!

Oh shut your rhetoric off please.

Damn.

Actually if you read more of that article, it also states that the BP execs were claiming that 2010 was thier best year for safety within thier company....

Thats where the big Whisky Tango Delta comes in...(WTF for those who don't get that.)

How about ending oil subsidies and adding a windfall profit tax- they'e going to screw us anyway- let's get Something back!

Noting like shutting down the economy with retarded taxes. You think it is bad now? Implement any one of your ideas.....

and guess what? They pass it to consumers. That you be you.

Did I not say they're going to screw us anyway?????

Stop sending 3/4 of a TRILLION dollars a year overseas to buy oil from dictators, despotic monarchs and terrorists.

Spend that money to give jobs to people here making biofuels from raw materials that are just wasted now.

THEN come back and tell me what happens to the economy.

Yeah lets keep on starting wars for oil in other countries! Gees the ignorance of some people.

If we use biofuels, we will have no need for oil, or wars to get oil.

Without the need for oil, we have no need to even be in the Middle East----let alone fighting four wars there(Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya).

If you want lower taxes---don't fight wars. Wars are unbelievably expensive---the DoD budget is over a trillion dollars a year.

Using oil, and fighting wars to get it is ignorant.