Drill Now, Drive Later. Much Later.

Some regions of the Outer Continental Shelf are protected from oil and gas drilling. Some people think we ought to be drilling away in these regions. Slate notes this 2007 government study on the market impact of increased drilling.

First, timeliness. Assuming that leasing begins in 2012, the study says that expanded drilling "would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030." Eighteen years.

Next, price. Even in 2030, when significantly more oil is flowing, "any impact on average wellhead prices is expected to be insignificant."

So, if we start today, we can have no effect on prices as early as 2026. Let's do it!