Republicans, conservative commentators and, most importantly, the American people, have been rejoicing the past several days with regards to the Democrats’ acquiescence over the ban on offshore drilling. When the news began to spread that Congressional Democrats had decided against renewing the moratorium on Pacific and Atlantic coast drilling, cheers and applause rang out.
ALG News Bureau has been right there with them—and for good reason. The Democrats’ apparent decision to let the moratorium on offshore drilling expire marks a huge victory for the energy independence movement and for all of those sick and tired of stubborn Democrats perpetuating America’s reliance on expensive foreign sources of oil.
However, when American Energy Freedom Day rolls around on October 1st, the celebration had best be kept to a minimum. Simply put, the expired moratorium will not necessarily trigger immediate drilling.
According to top Capitol Hill sources, further legislation is needed to expedite the drilling process and grant leases to oil companies.
The noise and hoopla seems to have muffled the stark reality that if Congress and the President fail to quickly pass such legislation, there will be no drilling. Very few leaders and commentators are talking about this and that poses a serious dilemma.
Fortunately, one Senator has a solution. As one component of his economic growth plan, South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint urged that energy production, both from offshore oil reserves and oil shale reserves in the American West, be expedited:
“Expedite offshore and oil shale exploration, ensure states share in energy revenues, and prevent endless litigation from frivolous environmental lawsuits. American reserves offshore are estimated to hold over 20 billion barrels of oil and 97 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In the West, oil shale is estimated to be between 800 billion and 2 trillion barrels of oil—that is more than three times the proven oil reserves in Saudi Arabia alone. Permanently ending these bans on American energy will help fuel our economy and stop sending billions of dollars overseas for foreign oil.”
After all, what good is an expired ban on drilling when there is no legislation and leases issued to permit the physical drilling of oil? The federal sale of oil and gas leases in the offshore and western areas must be made an urgent priority for Congressional Republicans and President Bush.
When it comes to drilling, some experts believe it could take anywhere from five to ten years for any oil to flow after the initial lease offerings are made. Therefore, the sooner the better.
As ALG News Bureau previously warned, a potential Obama Administration—which would undoubtedly be hostile towards increased drilling efforts—should serve as further motivation for the President and Republicans to act quickly and expedite the sale of these leases. They simply do not have the leisure to take their time on this crucial issue.
At this phase in the battle for energy independence, Congressional hesitancy is not a luxury the American people can afford.
