I e-mailed Senator Claire McCaskill recently, politely asking her to consider off-shore oil drilling. I suggested a comprehensive approach; drilling now while researching other alternative forms of energy. While it may take five years or more until consumers benefit from the drilling, it’s better than ten, twenty, or never. We would likely not be having this problem today if Congress had acted years ago. This is the response I received from her office:

Thank you for contacting me regarding domestic energy production. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Our leaders need to be more up-front about what is really going on with energy production in this country. Oil companies already have an opportunity to increase domestic oil supply, but they sit on their hands and ask for more land when there is no evidence that they need it. Approvals for drilling on federal lands are at an all-time high and leasing to areas like the Outer Continental Shelf is already occurring.

Combined, oil and gas companies hold leases to nearly 68 million acres of federal land that they’re not using both in Alaska and in the Gulf. This is over 80% of available federal land and the federal government provides these leases at a discount. Congress needs to pass legislation that would force oil companies to fully utilize these existing areas which contain some of the most abundant supply of oil in this country. It only makes sense that they explore and develop the millions of acres they already have access to before Congress permits drilling in new areas.

Energy experts contend opening new areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would not lower prices at the pump for years and then only by a few cents. Additionally, it would fail to move the country toward energy independence. With only 3 percent of the world’s oil supply and 25 percent of the world’s demand, it is clear America can not drill its way to lower prices. Our country instead needs real solutions to the energy crisis.

Congress, for example, is taking a hard look at oil speculation and whether there should be more regulation in this area to more accurately reflect the rates of supply and demand. This could mean a more fair and reasonable price at the gas pump. I also believe that continued investment in alternative fuels is the best way to reduce America’s addiction to oil and America’s best long-term energy strategy. Unfortunately, some members of Congress continue to block legislation that would help address this crisis and allow our nation become energy independent.

Also, I want to take this opportunity to dispel the myth that appears to be circulating that China has partnered with Cuba to drill off the coast of Florida. Some of my constituents are concerned that this is happening, but there is no offshore drilling venture between Cuba and China at this time.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can address any other issue that is important to you.

All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill

Yeah, I’m sure the “evil”, profit-driven oil companies have access to vast oil reserves and have decided not to tap into them. If you believe that one, I’ll tell you the story about the Iranian dictator with the peaceful nuclear program.

Senator McCaskill’s response, though wordy, lacks something vital … action! I thought the Democratic party was supposed to be for the little guy. After hearing these regurgitated Democratic talking points over and over, it’s obvious they intend to do nothing to help poor and middle class families struggling to cope with higher gas and food prices. Will they still remain unmoved as more and more businesses can’t handle the strain of the increased expenses, and lay off workers or fold completely? Will they stand by and do nothing while we give our hard earned money to dictators and extremists like Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, compromising our national security? I encourage you to call or e-mail your elected officials. Perhaps if enough of us rise up, we will be difficult to ignore.