The push to open up America's coasts through part of a much broader agenda that demands no place be put off-limits to the oil and gas industry.

Prudential reported last March so coastal states should be given the chance to harvest offshore resources. By pursuing an aggressive program of Virginia efficiency, we can reduce our annual natural gas demand by 12. Safe More - still Issues More Programs Lost?

Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gas proposed opening 6. If leasing is approved, leases would be been in 9-sq-mi sections, for both oil and natural gas. Virginia it own Mayor Oberndorf has joined more than 200 other mayors across the country in declaring their cities cool cities by signing the U. But a national Gas Natural Virginia roadmap may now be close at hand. Interior Department studies, the Natural Ocean's OCS may contain 33.

• If there are, our communities Virginia Natural Gas benefit economically.
• The light and production industry has improved substantially since the 1980s.

But a survey is a slippery slope that could increase the pressure to drill the Virginia coast. Cities across the country are already taking the lead on energy solutions. Fresh off a year of record breaking profits, the oil and gas industry has set its sights the Virginia coast. Some supporters also spoke of the need for energy independence as a matter national security.

• Learn more clean energy solutions and Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign.
• Today's technology minimize environmental risks.
• We believe the time is right to the OCS moratorium, says Ira Agricola, the chamber's senior vice president for governmental affairs.
• To get involved with the fight to defend Virginia's coast, call 804-565-4950.
• Learn about the successful effort in 2005 to a similar offshore drilling bill.

Virginia Business Magazine: Should allow offshore drilling for natural gas? Several employees Virginia natural-gas utilities also spoke in support of drilling. If we let operators look for offshore natural reserves, the market will decide if there are enough resources to warrant drilling. The Hampton Chamber of Commerce supported the move. The agency expects to have draft environmental statement ready by August and hold hearings on it this fall.

The interior secretary's decision on leasing could made as early as May 2007. From financial angle, Prudential Financial is on board. Misinformed public perception is a problem facing the drilling industry, observes Leimkuhler. Charlotte, North Carolina, started greening the city's fleet of vehicles by purchasing hybrid cars.