U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT The op-
ed below was written by C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary
of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management Ignoring
America’s Energy Resources Ignores Energy Security By C. Stephen
Allred While Americans warily eye gasoline prices marching
towards $4 per gallon, it becomes more apparent each day how
acute these effects are on manufacturers, airlines, small and
large businesses, and average Americans. Only 10 years ago, the
average cost of a gallon of gasoline was just above a $1. It is
clear that our country’s need for energy security and access is
more crucial than ever. The truth is America has abundant energy
resources. We simply choose not to develop most of them. We
cannot, and must not, ignore key energy resources available to
us here at home. Working with Congress, the President signed
into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which
specifies a national mandatory fuel standard of 35 miles per
gallon by 2020 for new ve