A couple of questions for the White House's scheduled 2 p.m. live chat on U.S. energy independence:

• While discussion of improved batteries for electric vehicles, liquid fuels from microorganisms and other new technologies is worthwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) says oil and natural gas will provide 55 percent of the energy we consume in 2035 (just slightly less than today's 61 percent share). Isn't securing those resources the more important discussion to be had?

• Whatever the potential of batteries, algae and other innovations, EIA's forecast clearly shows that oil and natural gas are an important part of our energy future. Thus, if 92 percent of America's liquid fuel needs by 2030 can be supplied domestically and through partnership with Canada, where are... more »

Our industry's longstanding commitment to safe operations was questioned by some after last year's tragic spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, we have more than 20 industry groups working concurrently on improving spill prevention and response. Oil companies are committing resources in the form of dollars, time and expertise to ensure that these improvements are implemented.

In March, we announced the creation of the Center for Offshore Safety. It will bring our best minds and expertise together to help operators strive for and maintain the highest levels of safety performance across the entire industry.

We have worked hard to meet the requirements for resuming operations in the Gulf. That's important because we need those energy resources, both today and in the future. Oil and natural gas... more »

The Wall Street Journal (subscription) reports the International Energy Agency is sounding the alarm on the worldwide oil supply, warning the global economic recovery could be at risk if prices for crude oil stay high or go higher:

The governing board called on oil producers to increase their oil output to "help avoid the negative global economic consequences which a further sharp market tightening could cause," the IEA said in a statement. "Additional increases in prices at this stage of the economic cycle risk derailing the global economic recovery and are neither in the interest of producing nor of consuming countries," it said. "Oil-importing developing countries are most likely to be seriously affected by high oil prices, undermining their economic and social well-being."

The Journal... more »