The National Ocean Industries Association, meeting in Washington last week, repeatedly heard it must reverse public perceptions of offshore drilling if U.S. offshore leasing is to get off high center.
Interior Sec. Manuel Lujan said despite the facts of the situation, much of the political problem associated with the OCS program is a matter of perceptions.
He said after energy shortages of the 1970s Americans became committed to pursuing a policy of energy independence-regardless of the costs. Today, with the Exxon Valdez accident and a rash of other tanker spills, Americans are expressing their commitment to preventing further pollution-whatever the costs.
"The American public views the threat to our environment as more real than the threat to our energy supplies," Lujan said. "And so this perception is driving policy decisions everywhere."
OPINION TURNAROUND
Henson Moore, Department of Energy deputy secretary, said the only possible way to reverse drilling moratoriums is to turn public opinion around.
"Few Americans outside the energy business understand the solid economic benefits or the environmental soundness of offshore drilling," Moore said.
"As a result of this lack of knowledge, plus the strident advocacy of a small but effective minority that has its own narrow agenda, the offshore industry is burdened with a series of restrictions that severely limit your ability to operate.
"Environmental decisions will drive energy policy for the foreseeable future. There is no changing that fact, ignoring it, or turning back."
Jay Hair, president of the National Wildlife Federation, said opposition to drilling is continuing to snowball.
"It's an interesting paradox," he said. "Our energy hungry society at the same time has a growing concern for the environment."
Hair has visited offshore rigs and was impressed at how well they did their job. But he said the public senses the arrogance of large oil companies.
And he warned, "If you think you're going to fool the public, you are going to lose 15 ways because the public is smart. "
C.E. Spruell, president of Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S. Inc., said, "We have a major problem.
"Relatively few in the general public believe in us. They see our industry as driven exclusively by the profit motive, with sinister motivations lurking behind each decision.
"Improved communications is our best hope for creating the constructive partnership we need to make offshore exploration and development a viable, accepted practice.
"Grassroots communication must become an integral part of our project planning if we are to resurrect offshore energy exploration and development in this country."
A PERCEPTION OF CRISIS
Spruell warned, "We simply cannot wait for another energy crisis in hopes people then will appreciate the need for our products. History tells us we simply will be accused of creating that crisis."
Sen. James McClure (R-Idaho) continued the theme.
He said in Washington, "It is no longer sufficient to have a majority of facts on your side, but it is all important to have emotions on your side. Around this town, perceptions are the only reality."
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