Remember how a huge majority of Americans wanted new offshore drilling for oil and gas, as well as exploitation of the oil shales? Well, last year both the executive and legislative bans on such drilling were lifted. But the question now is how the federal government will proceed. So far, the hints from both Congress and the Obama Administration are mixed.
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, wants to check with the Obama administration before deciding whether the United States should expand offshore oil and gas exploration. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, weighed in unsurprisingly on the side of opening up more offshore exploration and drilling.
Meanwhile, Obama has warned of dependence on foreign oil - which increased domestic production would reduce. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said he hasn't ruled out more offshore drilling - but it has to be part of a comprehensive energy plan. Meanwhile, stating that 'there are places that are not appropriate' for drilling, Salazar recently cancelled leases on 77 parcels of public land in Utah that had been designated for oil and gas exploration. His reason: they are 'American iconic treasures.'
My guess, for what it's worth: the only way the Obama Administration or the Democratic Congress will budge is if gas prices skyrocket again.
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