I think we could inject another meme into the offshore drilling debate. And it just happens to be a conservative talking point that we could co-opt.
There are plenty of good reasons not to expand offshore oil drilling. But most of these don't resonate with independent or disenchanted republican voters. Environmental and long-term economic arguments just don't do it for these voters. But here's one that will- security. These offshore deposits should be thought of as strategic reserves.
While we will never run completely out of oil, the time is coming when all the easy oil will have been sucked out of the Earth. Oh, there it is now. We're here. No more easy oil. So it makes sense that America should hoard whatever reserves it has left. There are some economic sectors that will need oil no matter how far solar/hybrid/battery/hydrogen technologies advance in the foreseeable future. Airlines, plastics and the military spring to mind. So, delaying offshore drilling will help ensure our military security.
Yes, I said delaying. I wish we could permanently ban any increase , but I think, realistically, that we will one day be forced to accept expanded offshore drilling. The economics of energy will likely compel us to do so. Same for ANWAR, which, unfortunately, is doomed environmentally any way you slice it. The permafrost will not survive. But the longer we hold onto these reserves, the better off we will be.