Contrary to the predictions of defenders of offshore drilling, expansion of offshore drilling has done little to drive down the price of oil. Since President Obama announced that new deepwater drilling for oil will be allowed, the price of oil has gone up, not down. The cost of a barrel of oil is now nearing 100 dollars.

If we want to control the cost of energy, we need diversification of energy sources, not just the same old desperate search for oil. Offshore drilling needs to be phased out, not pumped up.

Given the continuing corrupt influence of big oil companies over Congress and the White House, you may feel that there’s nothing that can be done to move the USA away from the dangers of offshore drilling. Reality isn’t so desperate. There are leaders in the House of Representatives who are seeking who are working to reduce the risk created by offshore drilling.

In the House of Representatives, Frank Pallone, John Garamendi and Kathy Castor have introduced the No New Drilling Act, H.R. 261. The bill would prohibit new leases for offshore drilling in American waters.

You can take action today to support this important legislation: Call your member of the U.S. House of Representatives – Democrat or Republican – and urge the co-sponsorship of H.R. 261, the No New Drilling Act. The number for the congressional switchboard is (202) 224-3121.