The Dirty Secrets Of Offshore Drilling (PHOTOS)

President Obama's recent announcement to open up areas that have been off limits to offshore drilling came as a shock to many. Then the tragic accident at an offshore rig in the Gulf of Mexico reminded the the country why offshore drilling was banned in so many areas to begin with, as 11 are still missing and presumed dead from the explosion--and 5,000 barrels of oil continue to pour every day into the ocean.

The United States produces about 1.5 million barrels of oil a day from offshore drilling, but consumes 21 million barrels a day.

Here are 7 dirty secrets the advocates of offshore drilling don't want you to know.

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The Risk to Human Lives

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Offshore drilling is inherently a risky procedure—attempting to withdraw unstable substances from the planet remains a perilous task, no matter how advanced the technology currently is. Unfortunately, countless lives have been lost from malfunctioning equipment or user error. The recent offshore disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, leaving 11 missing and presumed dead, is but one of many tragic examples. The Piper Alpha Platform exploded in 1988 killing 167, the Enchova Central Platform claimed 42 lives after its 1984 blowout, and the C.P. Baker Barge resulted in 22 fatalities after its 1964 blowout.

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Offshore drilling is inherently a risky procedure—attempting to withdraw unstable substances from the planet remains a perilous task, no matter how advanced the technology currently is. Unfortunately, countless lives have been lost from malfunctioning equipment or user error. The recent offshore disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, leaving 11 missing and presumed dead, is but one of many tragic examples. The Piper Alpha Platform exploded in 1988 killing 167, the Enchova Central Platform claimed 42 lives after its 1984 blowout, and the C.P. Baker Barge resulted in 22 fatalities after its 1964 blowout.

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Worst Drilling Truths

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