Alternatives Quote by Roscoe Bartlett
“You can drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, on every continental shelf and atop every hill in America for that matter, and you still won't reverse the fact that our oil production is in permanent decline. We're just sopping up what's left, digging ourselves into a deeper hole.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional remarks on energy policy, 2008
U.S. oil output is declining permanently; drilling elsewhere only delays the inevitable depletion.
In simple terms: Oil production is falling; more drilling just postpones the decline.
Key Takeaway
Plan for sustainable energy.
Themes
energy
environment
economics
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
policy
environmental
When to use this quote
- energy planning
- investment in renewables
- public awareness
- government policy
Key Concepts
resource depletion
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we accelerate renewable adoption?
- What policies can mitigate decline impacts?
A Different Perspective
Transition costs and political resistance hinder change.
![“I do not remember when I said this [oil production would collapse ], maybe in the heat of the moment, but I do not think I even said it, but I may just not remember it. I was saying that at a certain level of oil prices new deposits will not be explored. That is what is actually happening…” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f7/vladimir-putin-261_certain_i-do-not-remember-when-i-said-this-oil-p_1570466.jpg)
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
