"Drill, baby, drill!" – Michael Steele, RNC, Sept. 3, 2008

We can't drill our way to energy independence. Our federal Energy Information Administration has even reported that offshore drilling will have little effect on oil and gas production or on prices before 2030 (read report). Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to swim in record profits, the U.S. is the top global warming polluter in the world, and the world's ice mass and glaciers are retreating at a dramatic pace.

America must not compromise its energy security or its fragile natural resources. We need a new vision for the future that will end our current energy dilemma and addiction to oil. Our leadership must focus on reducing our need for oil – which is where real national energy security lies – not on more drilling, more carbon emissions, more barge and tanker traffic, more accidental oil spills.

For eight years, the current administration has led America down the path of oil over-dependence – both foreign and domestic. Now it's time to tell John McCain and Barack Obama:

Stand strong against expanded offshore oil drilling. Let's declare true energy independence for America once and for all.

We urge you to take a strong public stand against the expansion of offshore oil drilling. Our focus should be on reducing our need for oil - which is where real national energy security lies - not in more drilling. We can't drill our way to energy independence.

Expanding our offshore drilling, and the inevitable spills that will occur from increased barge and tanker traffic, damages our fragile coastlines and wetlands. Coastal communities pay the price with toxic fumes, inoperable municipal water systems and hopelessly fouled water. Lifting the 27-year old moratorium on offshore oil drilling will place important wildlife areas at risk of irreparable harm for very little gain, and no long-term solution.

America needs a new vision to lift it out of its current dilemma and dependence on oil. We need both long-term solutions that focus on renewable energy and better fuel efficiency, and short-term solutions that oversee the oil markets and hold oil speculators accountable for their shifty deals.

We ask that you stand publicly against the expansion of offshore oil drilling. We need you to present policies that offer real protection for our country's natural resources and real solutions for America's energy future.

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