Feds open 3.9 Million Acres Of Land In A Designated Petroleum Reserve In Alaska

Bush took another step today showing that he is serious when it comes to expanded drilling and that he takes the rise in gas prices seriously. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Democratic Congress. The Financial Times reports that "the US federal government on Wednesday said it would open 3.9m acres of land in a designated petroleum reserve in Alaska for drilling as a means to help curb rising petrol prices." This Alaska move is unlike the decision on Monday lifting a presidential ban on drilling on the US outer continental shelf that still requires Congress to lift a separate ban on the area before the area can be leased for development. The Bureau of Land Management of the US Department of the Interior says no Congressional approval is necessary and the Alaskan land will be offered for leasing in the autumn.

So let us now discuss what the Democrats have done to help expand the supply of American energy when gas prices are soaring and America is in desperate need of less reliance on foreign oil. Well, the International Herald Tribune reports that "Pelosi is not budging" in her stubborn stance against any new drilling and "she and Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, appear intent on holding the line against calls to approve drilling in areas now off limits." Why am I not surprised?


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