From President Obama’s remarks, cited at the White House Blog in a Feb. 5, 2009, post, “ Serious about energy independence“:

Washington may not be ready to get serious about energy independence, but I am. And so are you. And so are the American people.

Inaction is not an option that is acceptable to me and its certainly not acceptable to the American people not on energy, not on the economy, and not at this critical moment.

Department of Interior news release, Dec. 1, 2010, “ Key Modifications Based on Ongoing Reforms, Unparalleled Safety and Environmental Standards, and Rigorous Scientific Review“:

[The] area in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that remains under a congressional moratorium, and the Mid and South Atlantic planning areas are no longer under consideration for potential development through 2017.

Statement, Jack Gerard, President and CEO, American Petroleum Institute, Dec. 1, 2010, “Extension of offshore ban to halt job creation, economic growth“:

This decision shuts the door on new development off our nations coasts and effectively ensures that new American jobs will not be realized. It will stifle investment, deny billions in revenue for critical government services and increase our dependence on foreign energy sources.

The oil and natural gas industry is committed to safe and environmentally responsible operations, and both the industry and regulators have added new safeguards to ensure such operations.This reversal on new lease sales off Americas coasts comes on top of a de facto moratorium, which has all but stopped new drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Dec. 1, “ Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Obama Administration Decision to Block Offshore Energy Development Efforts in Virginia“:

I am extremely disappointed that the Obama Administration has unilaterally blocked environmentally responsible, and economically crucial, offshore energy exploration and development in Virginia, along the Atlantic Coast and throughout other broad swaths of offshore territory nationwide. This is an irresponsible and short-sighted decision. It demonstrates a complete lack of confidence in the entrepreneurial spirit of American industry and its ability to fix the problems experienced in the Gulf spill, and no confidence in the ability of the U.S. government to better plan for and react to offshore emergencies. …

This decision comes in the midst of one of the toughest economies in our history. The cost of today’s decision will be seen in major lost job opportunities, surrendered economic growth, and increased dependence on foreign sources of energy, from nations often hostile to American interests.

Florida Governor-elect Rick Scott (R-FL), statement, Dec. 1, 2010:

The Obama Administration’s offshore drilling ban is yet another example of government regulation impeding economic growth. Florida is committed to pursuing energy independence, which is essential to national security. With sound policies in place, we could expand domestic drilling and eliminate our reliance on foreign oil. Furthermore, I am disappointed that the White House has chosen to unilaterally impose a policy that threatens job creation and economic growth in Florida without consulting our office.

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), statement, “ Administrations OCS decision will cost American jobs, increase dependence on Middle Eastern Oil“:

This retreat away from domestic energy sources will jeopardize Americas energy security and does absolutely nothing to make energy exploration and development safer, nor does it ensure that we work to a more energy independent future, and I am incredibly disappointed that the only result of this decision is the guarantee that we will become more dependent on Middle Eastern countries to satisfy our energy needs. Instead of pursuing their own reckless agenda, President Obama and his administration should be focused on solving real problems threatening the Gulf in the aftermath of the BP disaster by removing the job-killing permitorium and passing the Gulf Coast Restoration Act to restore our coast and wetlands.

Jay Timmons, executive vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers, issued a statement available at the NAM’s home page, “ Manufacturers: Drilling Ban Prevents Job Creation and Energy Independence.” Excerpt:

Manufacturers are angered that the Administration is reversing its policy and will not open the Eastern Gulf, the Atlantic or the Pacific to offshore drilling.

By failing to open these areas to drilling, our nation will be forced to rely even more heavily on foreign producers, which will only discourage investment in new projects. Lower energy costs are key to helping spur job creation, and failing to open additional areas to drilling stifles job growth.

Angered.