The cost of energy has become a top concern for Americans. According to a Pew poll in May 2008, voters ranked energy as a higher priority than social security, Iraq and terrorism. Zogby reported that 74% of voters support increased energy exploration. A poll from Fox News shows that 76% of voters support immediate measures to begin offshore drilling. Take your pick of national polls, and chances are you will find numbers that show Americans asking for more energy exploration here at home.

According to federal government data, the U.S. has enough oil and natural gas to fuel more than 65 million cars for 60 years and enough natural gas to heat 60 million homes for 160 years. In fact, the U.S. government estimates that there are 30 billion barrels of undiscovered technically recoverable oil on federal lands currently closed to development.

In addition, a recent study by ICF International shows that more access to domestic energy resources could generate $1.7 trillion in government revenue, create thousands of new jobs and enhance America’s energy security by significantly boosting energy production here in the United States.

It is clear, from recent polls, that Americans want policies that will allow U.S. companies to develop natural resources here in the United States that will generate revenue, create jobs and increase our energy security. Congress should listen to the American people. Our nation also needs increased energy efficiency and more energy from all sources, including domestic oil and natural gas for the benefit and security of American consumers.