Oil industry promises hundreds of thousands of jobs if Congress opens more areas to drilling . In March 2010 , President Barack Obama and U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a plan to expand oil and gas development along the Outer Continental Shelf and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico . `` By responsibly expanding conventional energy development and exploration here at home we can strengthen our energy security , create jobs and help rebuild our economy , '' said Salazar . Department of Energy says millions of acres are leased now and not being drilled . Comment:
Oil industry promises hundreds of thousands of jobs if Congress opens more areas to drilling . Department of Energy says millions of acres are leased now and not being drilled . Comment: