What are the advantages and disadvantages of offshore drilling?

One of the advantages of offshore drilling is that it increases domestic oil production, while a disadvantage is the effect it has on the environment. While it has its positives, there are also definite negatives to offshore drilling.

Other Offshore Drilling Advantages:

• Offshore drill rigs provide jobs, stimulating the economy
• The government has the potential to increase revenue through royalties.
• Domestic production of oil reduces the reliance on foreign oil.
• Domestic production of oil could reduce gas prices.

Other Offshore Drilling Disadvantages:

• Pollution caused my offshore rigs has negative impacts on the environment.
• Oil spills such as the one in the Gulf of Mexico cause damage to animal habitats for years.
• Offshore drilling is very expensive.