Should companies be allowed to drill for oil and gas in national parks? | The Tylt

There are numerous arguments against drilling in national parks. Drilling would disfigure and destroy our most-treasured outdoor parks—which are supposed to belong to American people—to enrich the few. Oil and gas production contributes to pollution and global warming, and our economy would be far better served if we were to invest in renewable energy, which is growing 12 times as fast as the rest of the U.S. economy. 

But President Trump came into office promising to free industry from burdensome regulations "that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources, with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy resources."

The president argues we can take advantage of our natural energy resources while still protecting the environment, and that increased domestic oil and gas production will free the United States from dependence on foreign oil—and boost economic growth.

America’s incredible energy potential remains untapped. It is a totally self-inflicted wound.

Environmental activists say there is no such thing as environmentally safe drilling, and Trump's agenda prioritizes corporate energy profits over preserving land that belongs to all Americans.

Not to mention, drilling is already taking place in many of America's national parks. There are more than 500 oil and gas wells in our national park system, but energy companies were required to take basic safety and environmental measures to mitigate the impact of drilling (i.e. companies must use minimally invasive drilling practices, submit plans to the Park Service for review, and set aside funds to clean up an area after drilling is finished).

Under the Trump administration, those safeguards are being watered down or repealed.

But others argue that only by tapping into American energy resources can we free ourselves from dependency on foreign oil. Trump supporters say it's easy for environmentalists to oppose drilling when those laws and regulations don't affect their livelihood.