GOP eyes offshore drilling

The recent spike in gas prices, triggered by turmoil in the Middle East, is prompting Congressional House Republicans to push for drilling off the coast of Virginia, thereby ending the moratorium initially spawned by the Gulf oil spill.

Included in this "drilling package," as some commentators have described it, are two bills that would reinstate previously planned oil and natural gas leases off the coast of Virginia and, ultimately, force the government to sell leases in the nation's most energy-rich offshore areas, which include the Atlantic coastlines.

"The majority of Americans support offshore energy production, and these bills will allow it to move forward in a safe, responsible, and efficient manner," said Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash), according to an article on Chron.com. "With thousands un-employed in the Gulf region and gasoline prices nearing $4 per gallon, swift action must be taken."

Hastings, who chairs the Natural Resources Committee, has enough leverage in the House to bring the drilling package to a swift vote. His measures are expected to face much more scrutiny once they hit the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Despite recent setbacks in the Gulf, supporters believe that offshore drilling will provide a necessary economic boost to the country and help the U.S. gain energy independence. Others, however, remain skeptical.

"It's no wonder that a guy from the West Coast would want to get things started by drilling off Virginia Beach," said one commentator in the April 4th issue of Virginia-Pilot. "It's what the oil companies want. But given last year's disaster, and the horrendous deal this represents for the commonwealth, Virginians should be skeptical of such illusory treasures - and any politician who promises them."

In what seems to be a response to Republican efforts, Obama announced an energy plan last week that would cut foreign oil imports by a third and encourage more domestic production, according to an article on Fredicksburg.com. Gov. Bob McDonnell hailed the drilling package, citing a study by the Southeast Energy Alliance (SEA) that says offshore drilling could create as many as 2,000 jobs in Virginia.

"At a time when oil is above $80 a barrel and our national economy is hanging by a thread, it is imperative that we have a balanced and robust approach to meeting our energy needs - and our national energy policy should reflect that," said SEA director Michael Whatley, according to a press release on ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org. "SEA strongly supports the administration's plan to move forward with leases in the Mid-Atlantic and South-Atlantic Regions."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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