Offshore oil drilling is a core issue in America's national energy crisis. Taking into consideration the concerns of climate change and energy dependence, the government's course of action is anything but clear. The solution is anything but clear. Debaters may yell: "Drill, Baby, Drill!" or "Alternative Energy," but I have to ask: When did extremism ever work in such a diverse nation? Instead, we need to step back to look at the mess we have driven ourselves into.

The global crude oil production rate is stuck at 86 million barrels per day. America produces 6 percent of that total, yet we consume 25 percent of the total production. Oil - at least for now - is a necessity in America. Without it and the foreign sources we rely upon, we will not be able to keep up with our standard of living. What about the Middle East situation? - Cough, Cough - Yeah, we are a "heartbeat away" from falling.

At any rate, there is always the concept of alternative energy. It is a possibility that would maintain our comfortable lifestyle and a cleaner world. The truth is that wind, solar and wave power, along with bio-diesel fuels such as cellulose ethanol, and hydrogen fuel cells are not ready to support the guzzling United States of America. Essentially, investors see them as viable commercial technologies in the long term, but they are still science fair projects today. The high costs of alternative fuels in addition to America's energy consumption make alternative energy dependence unrealistic at this time. Development is needed. Ironically, the sophisticated technologies used to produce and develop alternative energies depend upon oil to function and are manufactured using petroleum. Therefore, we need oil to improve alternative energy.

It is essential for Americans to realize that this is not a black and white issue. If we start drilling now, domestic oil may not come for decades. Is that a reason not to do it? We can just wait and complain until we are in a proper pickle, and that is when we will compromise and do something about it. In all sincerity, there is a middle ground. We must strive for energy security and clean fuel. Sadly, the well-being of the environment must be apart of this compromise; it is the only realistic way it can be protected in the future. When all is said and done, it is not going to happen overnight. All options need to be exhausted to enhance the chances of a speedy success.

Anna Burgess is all over the solution to the energy crisis.

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