The amount of new oil produced from off shore drilling would be too small to affect world oil prices. - Inspired by Robert Kaufmann, director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, Boston University

Off-shore drilling as a serious solution to the country’s oil crisis is a hot topic this election, but the common concern is that it’s bad for the environment. Taking a different angle, analysts argue that the effects would not be felt for at least a decade — permits need to be obtained, equipment procured, and ground exploration done. Additionally, they state, the amount of new oil would not be enough to impact world oil prices.

"Suppose the US produced all its oil domestically," says Robert Kaufmann, director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies at Boston University. "Do you think oil companies would sell oil to US consumers for one cent less than they could get from French consumers? No. Where oil comes from has no effect on price."