Bruce Allen, a physicist from Santa Barbara, California, is a man on a mission. As co-founder of SOS California (Stop Oil Seeps California), he came to Washington this week to deliver a message that he believes could change the debate over offshore energy development.

Bruce says offshore oil production is good for the environment.

During the past few years, Bruce has combed through numerous papers and studies, including some from the National Academy of Sciences. His research shows that naturally-occurring oil seeps in the ocean floor are leaking 70,000 to 80,000 barrels of oil into California's coastal waters every year along an 80-mile stretch of the state's shoreline.

How do you lessen the environmental impact of the oil? Bruce says you drill for it and refine it into useful products f... more »

Thursday was another gorgeous day in Long Beach, with blue skies and a pleasant breeze blowing along the harbor. At Lighthouse Point, children picnicked with their families while fishermen on a nearby pier caught croakers for supper. At the docks, you could hear seals barking at the Aquarium of the Pacific as tourists returned to shore on boats offering whale watching tours.

Long Beach has many attributes, among them a moderate climate, one of the busiest seaports in the United States and facilities that lure tourists to the area, including a massive convention center. But most residents here aren't aware of the hidden resources that have contributed so much to the City of Long Beach.

"A lot of residents don't know there is oil and natural gas development going on here," explained Curtis H... more »