When will gas prices be too high?

In a time where uncertainty and scarcity are most prevailant in today's society, New Jersey's representatives continue to oppose common sense measures that bolster American security. For decades we have known about the problem of oil. In the 60s and 70s we only imported 30% of oil and now in 2008 we can barely muster producing 30%.

In 1981, the United States placed a ban on offshore drilling to appease coastline states and environmental groups. Now we are paying the price. According to Minerals Management Service Offshore Minerals Management Program For the U.S. Congress, 18.92 billion barrels of oil lay offshore. The Outer Continental Shelf is the area starting 3-9 nautical miles off the coast all the way out to 200 nautical miles. Some analysts say we could see oil in less than 10 years.



Gasoline nationwide is averaging $4.07 and barrels of crude have gone up to $142. China, Mexico, Brazil, Norway, Russia, and Cuba are all going to be drilling off our coast. Meanwhile, our representatives are pushing for more subsidies for corn and mandating we use mercury lightbulbs. Our beloved New Jersey representatives, minus Scott Garrett (kudos), have yet to recognize that for some, the cost of filling up their gas tank is more than a days pay. Pushing for alternative energy fueled vehicles and counting on those who can't afford to purchase a full tank of gas to be able to buy into new, unproven technology is irresponsible.

Thirteen years ago President Clinton vetoed the ANWR bill that would of allowed drilling in land the size of Dulles Airport. The reason? It would take 10 years to begin seeing production. Thirteen years later, we are in a gasoline crisis and those million barrels a day we could be seeing from Alaska are still underground.

Alternative energy is great but we can not allow politicians to use the same arguement as they used in 1995 for the next 10 years while Americans choose whether to put food on the table or fill up their gas tanks. Our New Jersey representatives must put their constituents first and the environmental lobby second and our Republican leaders must educate our citizens on the urgency of the situation.

Join with over 1,200,000 other Americans and urge our representatives to Drill Here, Drill Now, and Pay Less.