Well there are real environmental issues involved with drilling close to shore as well. Personally, after what has happened I don't think I can believe what the oil companies are saying any more. BP has started the "static kill" - thing which should seal the thing more or less finally. We'll see. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/08/03/gulf.oil.spill/index.html?hpt=T1#fbid=RM9YfJzc3cq
The disperssant has basically shielded BP from trillions in damages. Instead of hitting the beaches (and BP) now, the "disappeared" dispersant and oil will jack the rate of chronic disease region wide for generations to come. Corporate Plutocracy.