Frank, you and I agree on this subject. But it is much more complex than just added oil production.

Most do not have any idea how many products we use that come from oil. Literally thousands

We need to drill in Alaska, on Federal land. in National parks, Offshore on the East Coast and West coast and everywhere in the Gulf, including shale oil production and whatever.

This perhaps would cut our imports by 50 %, possibly more, but in order to produce the oil we need to build new and expand our current refinery system.

An all out program should be put in place to conserve energy, but also add to our energy capability by building more wind energy, solar energy, hydro-electric energy, nuclear energy and others as appropriate. Some of these could be put in place over shorter time spans than oil production, which would take 5+ years to realize substantial gains.

And those who think the oil industry is not environmentally concerned should look at other industries and the amount of pollution they produce.

There are oil platforms in Long Beach, Calif. and they do not take away the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

As to spills, look at the record, we have been drilling in the Gulf for decades with less problems than many industries throughout our country. This is also true offshore California.

Those who oppose new oil drilling in the area where they live should have to turn on the light switch and not have power. They are satisfied about drilling in the other guy's area.