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While offshore drilling is not the complete answer to our energy problems there are a few advantages and benefits that we will reap if this is pursued. On the other hand, careful examination of the possible consequences should be done to determine if the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. . One of the largest benefits of offshore drilling for oil and gas is the financial gains it would bring to the country. This type of production would result in the creation of hundreds of jobs which are well needed to lower the unemployment rate which has grown significantly since the economic recession.

According to the American Energy Alliance (2009) offshore drilling would bring three phrases of development that would contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. The organization stated that industries would grow from the initial exploration and development of offshore facilities; the extraction of oil and gas resources; and refining crude oil into finished petroleum products. The report from the organization also predicted $2.2 trillion in total tax receipts; 1.2 million jobs annually across the country and $70 billion in additional wages each year.

The United States currently imports two billion barrels of oil annually. The Energy department has announced that this year it is expected to import 2.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. A sustained flow of oil from a domestic source of energy would create sustained financial flow to the national treasury thus allowing the government to focus on many areas left unattended due to lack of proper funding. Another advantage of offshore drilling comes in the way of increased political power and authority.

The dependence of the United States on oil and gas imports has lessened the power it has in influencing the price of oil. This power lies in the hands of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that have the power of manipulating oil production which can negatively