(CNN) -- In a move that could help win Republican support for other energy initiatives, President Obama will announce plans Wednesday to open large sections of the eastern Gulf of Mexico and an area off the Virginia coast for oil and natural gas drilling.

 

"To set America on a path to energy independence, the president believes we must leverage our diverse domestic resources by pursuing a comprehensive energy strategy," said a statement provided by an administration official, who did not want to comment on the record ahead of the president's announcement.

 

 

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Lets see where gas prices go in the next few days. I bet they take a nose dive below $2.50 a gallon. Totally all for new oil and gas drilling to make us independent from the Middle East. Since Obama is going to allow this to happen will he allow more refineries to be built?

Lets see where gas prices go in the next few days. I bet they take a nose dive below $2.50 a gallon.

 

Well today it drove oil up a bit.. his speech did. I was confused as well.... I don't see this causing a plunge at all. Supply won't come onboard for a while still.

Good decision.. One of the very few Obama has made.... Can't wait to hear the tree huggers cry...

I think it's a good decision.

I'm for this, as long as it's done responsibly.

I heard that this is not going to yield much cheap crude. I question the ROI on it.

I don't know the specifics, but seems like a step in the right direction. I have nothing bad to say about Barry on this one...............Yet. I gotta wait and see what Beck says.

I don't know the specifics, but seems like a step in the right direction. I have nothing bad to say about Barry on this one...............Yet. I gotta wait and see what Beck says.

 

Glenn Beck? Why do you care what he says?

Glenn Beck? Why do you care what he says?

 

I think he was being sarcastic. At least, I hope so.

Well we all know it will be G. W.'s fault if the prices don't go down!

I think he was being sarcastic. At least, I hope so.

 

You are correct Mr. Schue.

Smart move IMHO. Good to see.

Kind of knew this was too good to be true.... Obama is just trying to garner some Republican votes for his cap and tax bill..

Kind of knew this was too good to be true.... Obama is just trying to garner some Republican votes for his cap and tax bill..

 

I'm not sure what the "too good to be true" part is but I think you are right in that he's trying to throw a bone.

 

However, IMO it gets him nowhere just like it got him nowhere with the health insurance debate when he tried to go bipartisan. In this case, the Rs are still not showing any love and many of the Progressives that support him are not happy. Add in that IMO its more symbolic than productive and its a no-win situation.