Oct. 5--Democrats in congress allowed the nearly three-decade moratorium on offshore drilling to expire Wednesday, making way for oil drilling off of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

The lifting of the moratorium allows oil and gas companies to apply for permits to drill three miles off shore.

This move is the first of many that potentially could lead to energy independence for Americans. Domestic drilling off the coast keeps money in the pockets of this nation, which needs it after multiple financial crises in the past few weeks.

Instead of relying on nations that sponsor terrorism, the U.S. will allow oil companies to produce of what the nation needs regarding oil supplies at home.

This does not mean that the oil companies have free reign to enter our beautiful oceans and damage the eco-system. Dead seagulls, fish and marine life along our shores is a hefty price to pay for cheaper gas. Oil companies need to be responsible in their drilling and be good stewards of the environment. If they are, everyone wins.

If they are not, a nation will be watching, and environmental activists will say, "I told you so."

A local energy businessman recently echoed those feelings when he said that if the industry makes a mistake, the world will see it and react and no one will tolerate environmental mistakes. However, the industry also claims a good record with offshore drilling and should be allowed to continue building upon that record.

President Bush and Congress also are attempting to ensure coastal regions remain safe by expanding acreage in marine sanctuaries, such as the Monterey Bay marine sanctuary. The president added more than 770 acres to this area last week. Other bills in Congress propose similar actions where marine life is concerned.

Critics say this move is hypocritical, but the president says he wants to end America's pain at the pumps.

No one wants to see the oceans destroyed, so the oil companies are sure to care.

It is a matter of national security, economy and pride that makes it a necessity we drill off shore. Ditto for the need to seek other forms of energy other than oil.

The bottom line: America must reduce its dependence on foreign energy.

-----

To see more of The Daily Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.daily-times.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Daily Times, Farmington, N.M.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.