Kemp: Oil in Arcadia
It is North Dakota's oil that has reduced U.S. dependence on overseas supplies and given policymakers the freedom to pursue a more confident sanctions policy towards Iran.
And it is North Dakota's oil that has lessened reliance on imports from countries with poor records on human rights and environmental safeguards.
None of this is meant to excuse spillages, blow outs and pollution, or suggest the industry, regulators and politicians should not pursue constant improvements.
But it is important to keep pollution problems in perspective. Every economic activity entails some risks. The point is to manage them.
Hazards are not restricted to oil and gas. Few commentators like to acknowledge the pollution associated with producing the rare earth elements essential to much modern clean technology.
Nor are the hazards restricted to shale. Far more pollution has been caused by conventional onshore and offshore production over the decades.
North Dakota's track record on pollution control and safety is considerably better than alternative sources of U.S. fuels such as Nigeria or Venezuela.
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