Offshore drilling helps keep money in the pockets of all Americans.  It also is helping to secure a positive energy future that will contribute to the success of this nation and her young people.  There are many things that scare me when I think of how the world will be when my seven grandkids are grown.  However, affordable, reliable and secure energy that offshore drilling can create will definitely help them along their way.

The amount I pay for gas and fuel can get hefty.  I drive a diesel suburban used to haul wood, tractors, loaders and lawn mowers back and forth between here and the 88-acre generational farm my wife and I own in North Carolina.  There are some rental properties that I own and maintain there as well.  My wife drives a Lincoln SUV that requires premium gas.  Thankfully, she works from home for the Native American tribe we are part of, but she does drive to get some of our grandchildren a few times a week.  Gas is a big bill for me as it is for all Americans.  More offshore drilling has the potential to significantly lower gas prices, and there is no reason to hamper this practice.

From 1964 until 1976, I worked as a heavy equipment operator until I broke my back.  Keeping warm is very important to me as cold really makes my pain flare up.  Oil and gas to heat homes is expensive, so we heat mostly with wood.  I can keep my home between 76 and 78 with wood.  One day I will not be able to tote wood and will have to depend on the oil heating system in our home.  I pray by that point offshore drilling will have increased and prices will be lower.  If I was heating with only oil right now, it would cost me five or six grand each winter.  Take whatever actions are necessary to ensure offshore drilling is allowed to help better America and all her people.

Kenneth Munford