Energy Independence is not just a domestic issue; it is a matter of national security. We must, for the sake of our families, become independent in all forms of energy, not just oil. I support lifting the current ban on drilling at the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as well as drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). 
We should pursue oil shale, clean coal and natural gas as well as alternative forms of energy such as solar, wind and alternative fuels. In short, our energy policy should be an “all forms all the time” policy in order to protect our nation’s security during these unsure international times. It makes no sense that we send hundreds of billions of dollars to countries that would wish us ill.
Opening up these additional vast resources would help us to lower the current cost of gasoline and at the same time it would give us time to explore new options for domestic energy.
Some would have you believe that this crisis is one of resource. It is not. It is one created by politicians as can be seen by the article linked here. Ask yourself – what separates Ciudad Juarez and El Paso? About 1,000 feet and a different political mindset. The Republic of Mexico has not hampered itself with regulations about consciously failing to utilize its own resources – while we have chosen as a matter of policy that we will not compete globally or intra-nationally in the pursuit of energy resources. This decision by the democrat-controlled congress hampers us in global marketplaces and reduces our competitiveness while the impact is being felt most markedly in our families’ pocketbook.