1. Which political party has been calling for an expansion of offshore oil drilling?

2. a) Where has the Obama administration announced it will propose allowing offshore drilling?
b) In what location will President Obama continue to oppose new oil and gas development?

3. Many of the policies Republican Senator Lindsay Graham proposes/supports are Democratic policies opposed by his Republican colleagues and voters. How is Senator Graham working with President Obama to get their Global Warming legislation passed?

4. a) Why do Democrats oppose expanded offshore drilling?
b) How might those who support offshore drilling address this concern? (see "Background" below the questions)

5. a) Why is the oil industry enthusiastic about the possibility of gaining access to the eastern Gulf?
b) How do you think extended offshore oil drilling will affect gas and oil prices?

6. In the reader comments section for this article, reader David Z. says:
"it's being reported that, 'Mr. Obama's plan wouldn't allow new oil and gas development off the coasts of Northern Atlantic states or California, whose political leaders have long opposed offshore drilling.' If President Obama really believed that offshore oil and gas exploration was in the best interests of America, why is he continuing to restrict it, 'off the coasts of Northern Atlantic states or California, whose political leaders have long opposed drilling' where his political support is relatively stronger? ... it makes no logical and, especially, ethical sense for Obama to allow drilling in one region but not others if he truly believed offshore drilling was what is right for America."
Do you agree with this reader's comments? Explain your answer.