Support the Ban on Offshore Oil Drilling

The Outer Continental Shelf Moratorium was first enacted by Congress in 1981. This ban effectively closes off a large majority of the U.S. shoreline to oil drilling and increased fossil fuel exploration.

The Bush administration, and Republicans in Congress, are still trying to have this ban lifted. They claim that lifting the ban will promote increased economic activity, lower gasoline prices, and more jobs over time. This is not the case!

Please sign my petition and support the ban on increased offshore oil drilling because...

Increased oil production will not solve this country's energy problems in the long or short term!

Even if the federal government allowed for additional drilling, the extra oil they would receive would only fuel America's current energy needs for about 2.5 years. Also, oil found from drilling in new areas would not be seen on the market in the form of gasoline for at least 10 years, and as late as 2030. New drilling would only increase the amount of gasoline on the market by 7%, and its effect on costs at the pump would be minimal.

Increased offshore drilling would do irreparable harm to local environments!

The everyday operation of drilling plants causes air, water, and soil pollution. Oil spills that sometimes occur during transportation release toxic chemicals into the environment. The act of drilling itself dredges up dangerous chemicals like mercury, lead, and arsenic. These later end up in local water supplies.

Maintaining the ban on offshore oil drilling would encourage the development of alternative energy sources!

Developing energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power now would decrease this country's dependence on oil by 50% by the year 2050. If funded properly, development in alternative energy sources could create new jobs in a rapidly growing economic center.

Please, sign this petition now! Tell Congress that you want the ban upheld to prevent an ineffective solution to U.S. energy problems, irreparable environmental damage, and increased development of a fossil fuel that will not be here forever anyway!