Energy in a Holding Pattern

Have you been following the ongoing debate over offshore oil and natural gas development? Here's a quick summary:

The Minerals Management Service is in the process of holding four field hearings about its five-year offshore development plan, which would allow oil and natural gas exploration in portions of the Outer Continental Shelf that had been off-limts. Last year, 53 percent of the Americans who submitted comments to this plan supported oil and natural gas exploration, but in January the Interior Department delayed the plan's implementation. The comment period was extended another 180 days, and the hearings were scheduled to gather more public comments.

The five-year plan isn't the only opportunity to explore for more U.S. oil and natural gas that has been delayed this year. In fact, it appears that energy development is facing a pattern of delay. And being in a holding pattern has consequences. API President and CEO Jack Gerard puts it this way, "We can't afford to delay addressing our nation's energy challenges. Every day we delay costs American jobs, reduces revenue to local, state and federal governments, and undermines our national security."

If you agree, take action now through this link. You can make a difference in America's energy security.