1. Why did Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne tell the Mineral Management Service (MMS) to begin the process for leasing U.S. waters for oil exploration when the congressional ban on drilling was still in place? Be specific.

2. a) What is the MMS doing during the preparation time before they issue leases to companies for offshore oil drilling in federal waters?
b) When will the MMS's preparation be complete?

3. a) When did President Bush lift a presidential ban on offshore drilling?
b) For how many years had the ban been in place?

4. Why do you think Congress allowed their ban on offshore drilling to expire at the end of September?  (Note: Congress is controlled by Democrats who generally don't support offshore drilling)

5. Members of which groups have implied that the ban on offshore drilling will be at least partially restored after the presidential election?

6. a) Do you think Congress should reinstate the ban on offshore drilling? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

OPTIONAL: Send an email to your Senators and Representative expressing your opinion - should the Congress impose another ban on offshore drilling?  Be clear, concise and polite.

• Find Senators' contact information at senate.gov on the top right corner of the homepage.
• Find Representatives' contact information at house.gov on the top center of the homepage.