Keep it in the ground

Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, December 22nd, 2016 - 51 comments
Categories: climate change, energy, global warming, peak oil, us politics - Tags: , ,

Some leaders are not all completely bonkers.

President Obama will use his executive authority to permanently block offshore drilling in large swaths of the Arctic and Atlantic.

Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau will also halt all oil and gas exploration in its own Arctic waters.

Obama’s move includes 115 million acres in the Arctic, and 3.8 million acres in the north and mid-Atlantic ocean.

Great to see two world leaders showing it’s far better to keep oil in the ground.

Meanwhile, Rex Tillertson the head of ExxonMobil (largest oil company in the world) is to be soon-President Trump’s Secretary of State.

51 comments on “Keep it in the ground ”

  1. Bill 1

    I saw this story and wondered whether such a move was always in the pipeline (s’cuse the pun), or whether it was a ‘knee jerk’ response to Trump.

    Unintended consequences and all of that…

    Had Clinton been about to move her shit into the White House, would Obama have used his Executive Authority for this?

    In other words, did the prospect of a climate change denier as President just deliver more action on climate change (at least short term) than would have been the case if the prospective President was one who ‘accepted’ (to whatever degree) the reality of it?

  2. Tophat 3

    If Obama had of used his Executive Powers to establish this zone, Trump would just come into office and rescind it.
    So Obama used some 1953 law to establish the zone that would mean Trump has to fight this in the courts to turn it around.

    • Phil 3.1

      …Trump has to fight this in the courts to turn it around.

      You mean the supreme court?

      ‘cos that’s going to remain majority-GOP for quite some time to come and doesn’t seem like a particularly onerous impediment on Trump if he can be bothered challenging Obama’s move.

  3. red-blooded 4

    Obama’s had a shitty time as president, and I don’t admire all of his decisions, but he’s basically a good man and he must be desperate to protect his country (and our wider world) from the consequences of his people’s stupid decision to elect a moral void (and jackass) as the next president. Good on him for doing what he can.

    • Infused 4.1

      He’s basically done nothing. Of that which he has done, has been fucked up royally.

      • red-blooded 4.1.1

        “He’s basically done nothing.”

        Consider the circumstances of his presidency before you pass judgement. in the first 2 years, he had a Democratic House and Senate, and did significant things. Wikipedia describes it as “one of the most productive Congresses of recent time.” Legislation passed included anti-tobacco measures, improvements in provision of healthcare for children, attempts to deal with the housing crisis that was at the centre of the GFC, closing loopholes around selling guns at gunshows (a small step, but any anti-gun measure in the US is bloody hard-won)… The GFC (not his fault) and the Tea Party (again, predating Obama) combined to see the upswing in the Republican vote, with them taking the Senate and blocking pretty much everything from then on. He did get through the health care reforms, though. Again, not perfect, but again, in US terms pretty damn big.

        “Of that which he has done, has been fucked up royally.”

        Like the structure of that sentence..? Perhaps you could have done better?

        I didn’t claim Obama as a super-president, but it’s unfair to dismiss him as a fuck-up.

        • tc 4.1.1.1

          Good points, folks dont realise how neutered having a republican senate made him.

          He got obama care through by opening up the lobbyists to public viewing so punters could see how the games and tricks were about lining their pockets not looking after citizens, a masterstroke which swung it eventually.

          took a toll on him IMO as it was brutal and arduous process that trump will probably throw out being such a peoples president.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1.2

        Are you still pouting about war with North Korea? 😆

  4. Fisiani 5

    National has vowed to not allow drilling in the Arctic.

    • Tiger Mountain 5.1

      are you just killing time here till the Boxing Day sales fizzy anus?

      • alwyn 5.1.1

        If you find it funny to misspell peoples pen names I suppose I should warn you that it is very dangerous to go Tiger Mounting, oh “Tiger Mounter”.

        • alwyn 5.1.1.1

          You should also consider that “Tiger Mounting” is illegal in this country.
          Bestiality is apparently illegal under mistreatment of animals laws.
          Better give it up old “Tiger Mounter”. There don’t you think that is as funny as you misspelling of Fisiani’s name?

    • There was any serious discussion of New Zealand drilling in the Arctic? Or did you mean the Antarctic? lol

  5. alwyn 6

    Does anyone know what, if any, are the restrictions on what the President can do by Executive Authority under this 1953 law?
    If he can, by fiat and without Congressional Authority lay down rules that a following President cannot cancel just as easily we would seem to have the seeds of a dictatorship being available.

    Suppose Trump, after he assumes the Presidential Office, choose to do something like the following.
    Could he simply, using his Executive Authority, open up all National Parks and Marine Reserves to unrestricted drilling for hydro-carbons. Then it would be open slather until such time as you could get a final Court ruling that it shouldn’t continue. He would also be able to have the Justice Department appeal any ruling that would stop it and continue to do so for years until it went through the Supreme Court.

    Will everyone who seems to favour what Obama has done be happy if Trump was, in exactly the same way to do the opposite.
    I always thought that the US Congress made the law. I didn’t think that a President, using Executive Privilege, could do anything he liked.

    • Tophat 6.1

      he’s utilising a law passed by congress 53 odd years back, here’s a link to the, ” Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953.” https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/ocsla.htm
      That contains the answers to the rest of your questions.

      • alwyn 6.1.1

        Thank you. I couldn’t find anything that said what the law was. I shall read it with interest, after dinner.

        • alwyn 6.1.1.1

          It is now totally clear. Of course this is a law that authorises his actions and was clearly written to provide the means for a President to ban all offshore drilling.
          Why has it taken them so long to realise it?

          I would have said you were joking with the reference if I hadn’t dealt with a number of very skilled lawyers over the years. They could find a reason for, or against, any action at all. What you linked to would, to them, be totally obvious in its intention to control drilling in ocean waters.
          They were the sort of people who could make the Queen in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ seem rational.

          One of the reasons I wish that lawyers did not get involved in frontline politics and become MPs.

          Please tell me you really are joking.

  6. red-blooded 7

    The link above related to a specific aspect of the Act. Here’s a more general one, and I think it’s perfectly clear that it was appropriate to use this law, which was designed to empower the US government to manage the offshore oil industry, including the Secretary for the Interior (more recently the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) taking responsibility for granting (or in this case not granting) permits to explore and extract oil.

    https://www.boem.gov/ocs-lands-act-history/

    It wasn’t hard to find this out, alwyn. Please tell me you weren’t just trying to spin this decision in a negative way.

    • alwyn 7.1

      It wasn’t the action, or this law for that matter that surprised me.
      It was finding that one President could make decisions of this kind that were basically irreversible. It is of course the opposite of the New Zealand convention that holds that one Government should not be able to bind its successor.
      The only case I had thought of in the US was the ability of a President to pardon someone.

  7. Richard McGrath 8

    Should we also leave all plants in the ground and refrain from eating them?

      • Richard McGrath 8.1.1

        Why not? Does the same principle not apply – i.e. humans should “respect” nature and leave it undisturbed,rather than “exploiting” it?

        • weka 8.1.1.1

          fuck mate, that’s pretty close to the stupidest comment of the year. It’s 2016, can you seriously not tell the difference between a renewal, non-polluting resource and non-renewable, polluting one? Even if you don’t give a shit about respecting nature in its own right (which I’m fairly sure you don’t), there’s still the small matter of not shitting in one’s own nest.

    • ^ R. M

      L0L! – he dumb !!!

      🙂

  8. ropata 9

    20 years ago the USA was the world’s industrial powerhouse and leader in cutting edge science. Now they have elected a science denier to President, when they should be leading the world in low carbon tech.

    • Richard McGrath 9.1

      So you’re now a SCIENCE denier if you are sceptical about the AGW hypothesis? Wow, this beast just keeps growing!

      [you are starting to look trolly in this thread Richard. I suggest you have a think about what you are doing. – weka]

      • Macro 9.1.1

        So you’re now a SCIENCE denier if you are sceptical about the AGW hypothesis?
        Basically: Yes! You are denying science, to be skeptical about the AGW hypothesis. The AGW hypothesis is built on well established physics, and over a hundred years of world wide observations and data, from a variety of sources, support the theory.
        To be skeptical of AGW based on increasing GHG’s, one needs to rewrite quantum mechanics. No one has at this stage been able to do that – nor would such a rewrite fit with the raft of observations that support the existing theory.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 9.1.2

        It’s a hoax invented by the Chinese to make you look like a dickhead, Dick.

        • Blue Eye 9.1.2.1

          Is Nicky going to be a coward throughout all of this, and not take out his greatest rival, david?

          Is Nicky going to “step up” and take a “leadership” role or is he going to bow out, because of “the risk”?

          Is Nicky going to stop this ridiculous nonsense and let a female be “President” knowing it secures him the Throne?

          Is Nicky going to let the one “he wants” (“his love”) slip through his fingers all because of stubbornness?

          Is he going to pass up on brilliant opportunities, because of fear, misogyny and stupidity?

          I thought Nicky was “better” than david?

          We shall see…..

          And if Nicky is to be my husband, I don’t want him hiding from me, in the form of a human – I expect his “true self” to be my husband, in and out of the bedroom, and I am looking forward to it!

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T06:59:36+00:00