While it should be lauded as an achievement, the reality is that the recent Energy Policy Act of 2005 fails to adequately promote and expand the use of U.S. domestic energy resources. More must be done! The act contains some modest incentives to assist with domestic oil and gas production and refining capability, but by and large, industry and government efforts to profoundly improve the U.S. energy situation were thwarted by unfounded fears about the impact of offshore E&P. Now, Hurricane Katrina has made it abundantly clear that the nation is not doing enough to expand oil and gas production, increase refining capacity and ensure adequate supplies at the lowest possible cost to consumers. This does not mean we should ignore environmental stewardship or fail to constantly reduce the industry's environmental footprint, but it does mean we must strive for a balance that protects both consumers and the environment. The reality is that the U.S. continues to under-utilize and under-invest in domestic resources and infrastructure, especially offshore. With natural gas and crude oil prices now higher than ever, and the U.S. appetite for oil exceeding 20 million barrels a day, now is the time to invest in U.S. resources and infrastructure. Increased media focus on high gasoline and natural gas prices has made consumers more aware that growing U.S. and global demand have not matched supplies. There is intense global competition for oil and gas resources, particularly from burgeoning nations such as China and India. Unless domestic supply can be increased, prices for all products in the U.S. will likely continue to rise. For example, about 85% of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is currently off-limits to oil and gas production. Many offshore areas in which drilling is allowed are nearing the end of their life expectancy. Industry needs-and government should grant in a thoughtful, environmentally considerate way-access to new areas. Federal offshore waters hold the greatest potential for finding new energy resources. Bringing them to market in the next five to 10 years would be tremendously beneficial. Geographically diversifying our domestic oil and gas supplies is more vital than ever. According to the Department of Interior, oil and gas produced from the OCS in the Gulf accounts for 29% of domestic oil and 21% of domestic gas production. After Hurricane Katrina struck last month, 92% of the Gulf's oil output and 83% of its natural gas production were shut in. By most accounts, offshore areas in Alaska, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic hold vast resources that should be given thoughtful consideration for exploration and production, with all safety and environmental implications fully recognized. Energy producers and consumers alike need to push for expanded access on the OCS. We need all of these areas to be considered by the federal government. It should not be forgotten that the industry has an outstanding environmental track record. In particular, offshore oil and gas development has supplied domestic oil and gas under harsh conditions with a performance record second to none. Continued and expanded offshore development should only be done within a strong regulatory framework that protects the environment. The fishing industry and offshore oil and gas industries co-exist successfully as evidenced by the ongoing activities in the Gulf of Mexico and Norwegian North Sea. In fact, offshore platforms provide critical habitat to reef fish species and are highly valued by commercial and recreational fishermen. Norway has produced offshore oil and gas since 1965. It is the eighth-largest oil producer in the world-and the 10th largest producer of fish. Gulf of Mexico commercial and recreational fishermen know that oil platforms and infrastructure don't deplete marine species, they attract species and support habitat. Somehow the energy industry has failed to get this message to the consuming public about its successful environmental stewardship in the face of constantly increasing demand for product. Sustained, expanded production and environmentalism go arm in arm. It is now past time to have a coordinated plan to allow increased access to domestic supplies. Based on what consumers are paying for gasoline, our country deserves it. The Mineral Management Service, with oversight over the nation's offshore natural gas, oil and other mineral resources, recently announced that it is seeking initial public comment on the development of its 2007-12 leasing plan for energy development on the OCS and accompanying environmental impact statement. The announcement is the first step in a two-year process to develop the leasing plan. It does not include proposals for new lease sales but instead asks the public for general information and comment not only on energy development but also on other economic and environmental issues in the OCS areas. Spiraling prices, ever-tighter supplies and Hurricane Katrina should serve as a wake up call to industry. As an initial response, the domestic industry, upstream and downstream, and the consuming public would be served well in the immediate term by submitting comments to MMS' proposed five-year OCS plan. MMS encourages public input and will not move forward without analyzing input from all stakeholders. Comments are due October 11. (See mms.gov/ooc/press/2005/press0822a.htm.) Industry, working together with government, can help improve the current supply and price issues for oil and gas, as well as gasoline and distillates, by encouraging consideration of additional acreage for oil and gas on the OCS. Your comments matter. This is an opportunity to expand access to offshore oil and gas resources. Encourage your colleagues and neighbors to participate in this important process.