Dear Mr. Wunderlich:

Thank you for writing to me to express your support for increasing domestic oil and gas exploration. I appreciate hearing from you on this important energy issue, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

I share your concern that rising energy prices are placing a burden on American families and agree that it is important for the United States to continue to develop its oil and gas resources in concert with our efforts to reduce demand. I do not believe, however, that the United States can drill our way out of these record energy prices. According to the Department of Energy (DOE):

 oThe United States consumes more than 20.5 million barrels of oil per day - or 25 percent of total global consumption - but has less than three percent of the known global reserves;

 oOpening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration would not increase domestic crude oil production until 2018;

 oAdditional oil production from opening ANWR is estimated to yield 745,000 barrels per day - or 3.6 percent of daily U.S. consumption - and would reduce the price of oil by no more than $1.44 per barrel; and

 oLifting the Federal moratorium on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030.

 You may also be interested to know that between 1999 and 2007, the number of drilling permits issued to the oil industry increased by 361 percent. Over the same period, however, gas prices increased from $1.25 per gallon to over $4.00 per gallon. The oil industry also has access to significant oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters that they have yet to use. According to the Department of the Interior:

 oThe majority of crude oil and natural gas believed to be available on the OCS - 79 percent of oil and 82 percent of natural gas - are already available for drilling through existing leases; and

 oNearly 64 million acres of federal land and water leased to the oil and gas industry are not being used to increase domestic production.

 Instead of initiating oil and gas exploration in places like ANWR and the OCS, I believe that the United States needs a long-term strategy to address our dependence on oil. We must take steps to increase the use of renewable energy and maximize current supplies by supporting energy efficient technologies. Please know that I appreciate hearing your support for increasing domestic oil and gas exploration, and I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue working with my Senate colleagues to strengthen our national energy policy.

 Again, thank you for writing. If you have additional comments or questions, please contact my Washington, D.C. staff at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.