Final answer:
The statement by Eric Smith indicates that offshore facilities and pipelines contributed to only 2% of oil in U.S. waters from 1971 to 2000, within broader concerns of energy security and environmental protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eric Smith's statement highlights that from 1971 to 2000, offshore facilities and pipelines were responsible for a minimal 2 percent of the oil found in U.S. waters. This information is part of a broader discussion on the extraction and environmental impact of oil production. The controversy during the 1970s about the construction of the Alaska Pipeline underscores the tension between the need for domestic energy sources and the imperative of environmental preservation. Innovations to protect the environment were integrated into the pipeline's design. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill is an example of the potential risks associated with offshore drilling. Despite safety measures and technological advancements, catastrophic events can still occur, leading to vast environmental damage. Furthermore, the U.S. still cannot meet its petroleum needs from domestic resources alone, underlining the significance of alternative energy sources.