[Sherman Logan]

we would already be enjoying $1.50 Gal gas as we would be full bore fracking on Government land

I don't entirely disagree.

But it wouldn't really have made much difference. All available drilling rigs have been going flat out for a decade now.

Allowing drilling on federal land would not have added a single rig. All it would do is divert some of those rigs to the West from locations further east. I don't know any reason this would have resulted in more oil being available today.

East of the Rockies the relevant geological layers are flatter and generally easier to access. From the Rockies west the geology is much more complex and challenging. I suspect most companies would rather drill in TX, ND or PA.

[Jim from C-Town]

What you are saying is true, but much of the reason behind the lack of equipment is government interference in the markets. More equipment is always available when areas to drill are opened. Look no further than South East Ohio and Western PA. As fracking became more viable and cheaper, rigs and equipment sprang up like dandelions. Over night there where dozens of companies and thousands of workers ready to tap the natural gas and oil. All on PRIVATE LAND!

The reason why more oil would be available is that more rigs and more people would be in the business of extracting that oil. We certainly have no lack of steel or man power to employ.

[1010RD]

The hidden drivers of gas prices are taxes and EPA regs.