This week, a coalition of seven governors from around the country sent a letter to President Obama slamming the federal officials’ lack of communication with the coastal states in crafting the Department of Interior’s 2012-2017 Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Natural Gas Leasing Program.

The Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition are correct in their criticism of the new five year OCS plan and the administration, which appears more concerned with the demands of fringe left wing groups, and not average American citizens, who overwhelmingly support more oil and natural gas development. 

Given the uptick in unemployment this past month to 8.3%, it is unconscionable that the Obama administration would choose to leave these jobs on the table, and not just any jobs, but high paying jobs. In fact, the average salary for a non-gas station employee in the oil and gas industry is more than $116,000, which is over 180% higher than the national average of $41,673.

The letter was signed by Governors Perry, Haley, Jindal, Bentley, Parnell, Bryant and McDonnell.

For a copy of the letter, click here.