Association leaders argue for expanded access to ocean sites

The heads of three oil and gas associations joined together Monday to blast President Barack Obama's plans to "slam the door" on offshore drilling, including new restrictions on oil exploration off the coast of Alaska.

In a joint news conference, leaders of the American Petroleum Institute, National Ocean Industries Association and Independent Petroleum Association of America stuck to a single message: the federal government needs to open more offshore areas to oil and gas development.

"We do look forward to increased opportunity in the Atlantic, but we are disappointed that so much of the outer continental shelf will remain locked up—without the possibility of finding out if there are valuable resources in those areas," NOIA President Randall Luthi said.

The three associations contend the Obama administration's proposal would lock up 87 percent of offshore areas to oil and gas exploration and drilling. While it does open some areas off the Atlantic Coast, it would restrict exploration and drilling along the Pacific and Alaskan coasts as well as the Gulf of Mexico.

"America has a chance to be the world leader in energy now and for decades to come," API CEO Jack Gerard said. "But the opportunity could slip through our fingers if the government keeps 87 percent of offshore waters closed to oil and natural gas leasing."

"Opening new offshore areas to (oil and gas) exploration will provide us with much-needed knowledge," IPAA Barry Russell said. "Today, we don't know the extent of what resources lie beneath U.S. waters."

The news conference coincided with the first of a series of public meetings the federal government is holding across the country to take comments on the administration's proposal.