Bob McCarty Writes

Americans who value energy independence should ensure their voices are heard and make an effort to attend one of four regional public meetings being hosted by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar this month.  The chief subject of the meetings:  Development of offshore energy resources (a.k.a., “offshore drilling”).

According to his agency’s news release, the meetings are part of a four-part strategy Secretary Salazar announced in February for developing a new, comprehensive energy development plan for the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

Meetings will be held on the following dates (times TBA):

• Monday, April 6 in Atlantic City, N.J.
  Atlantic City Convention Center
  One Convention Boulevard
  Atlantic City, N.J.

• Wednesday, April 8 in New Orleans, La.
  Tulane University, McAlister Auditorium
  McAlister Drive between Freret and Willow Streets
  6823 St. Charles Avenue
  New Orleans, La.

• Tuesday, April 14 in Anchorage, Alaska
  Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center
  600 W. Seventh Ave
  Anchorage, Alaska

• Thursday, April 16 in San Francisco, Calif.
  Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
  Robertson Auditorium
  1675 Owens Street
  San Francisco, Calif.

If you think we should do everything possible to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign sources of oil and natural gas, make your voice heard at these meeting AND CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS in Washington, D.C., and demand they oppose President Barack Obama’s costly proposals.

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UPDATE 4/02/2009: A friend in the oil and gas industry suggested I share this link via which concerned Americans can TAKE ACTION NOW! In addition to contacting your elected officials, I encourage you to visit this site as well.

See also: USGS Assessment: Large Quantities of Oil Shale Resources Available in Colorado’s Piceance Basin