What we are seeing is a blatant effort to exploit a national tragedy to advance long-held oil and gas industry objectives. I hope that a majority of our Republicans in Congress will see this misguided opportunism for what it is and reject it.

As long as an all-out effort is made in exploration, it is possible to find new oil and gas resources in China.

This just looks like the oil and gas industry are shamelessly using the tragedy of Katrina and Rita to try and push their special-interest agenda through Congress. We need to address our energy needs, but we don't need to jeopardize our environment and economy to do it, and we shouldn't use a national tragedy as cover for bad policy.

Advances in science and current production methods are enhancing the output levels of our petroleum resources. As little as ten years ago, tight oil or shale oil, were not even considered a part of a nation’s stated reserves. These newer technologies are giving the oil and gas industry a new face.

This oil shock could cause more damage to the industry than 9/11. That was a one-day tragedy that knocked airline demand and oil prices for six months. This oil price move is more sustained, and could trigger a slowing in consumer demand, the nightmare scenario for most airlines.

surmount this great national tragedy.