"My interest is in making sure we've got the kind of comprehensive energy policy that can bring down gas prices," Obama told The Palm Beach Post in late July 2008.
Did Obama Reverse Course on Offshore Drilling?
Having expressed unqualified opposition to offshore drilling since June 2008, when McCain and President Bush called on Congress to end the moratorium, Obama drew criticism from environmentalists and other supporters for the apparent change in his position.
He countered by explaining that his position had not changed and was nothing new. He said he would only be willing to consider more offshore drilling if it was part of a political compromise necessary to reach a broader energy solution.
"What I will not do, and this has always been my position, is to support a plan that suggests this drilling is the answer to our energy problems," Obama said. "If we've got a plan on the table that I think meets the goals that America has to set and there are some things in there that I don't like, then obviously that's something that I would consider because that's the nature of how we govern in a democracy."
Obama’s energy plan calls for reducing U.S. oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day, by 2030.
