In a Slick Move, Obama Tells Oil Companies: Drill, Baby, Drill

Taking up the mantra of oil-drilling advocates, President Barack Obama on Wednesday said the petroleum industry needs to get to work.

While professing that there are "no quick fixes," the same president who ordered an offshore drilling moratorium and constantly criticizes America's dependence on carbon-based fuels now wants federal officials to investigate why oil companies aren't drilling more.

As part of his "Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future," Obama said the administration would "provide new and better incentives that promote rapid, responsible development of resources.

"Were also exploring and assessing new frontiers for oil and gas development from Alaska to the Mid- and South Atlantic.Because producing more oil in America can help lower oil prices, create jobs, and enhance our energy security."

Welcome aboard, Mr. President. Since there are "no quick fixes," better late than never. And just in time for the 2012 re-election campaign.

And speaking of '12, Bill Nelson rushed to take credit for Obama's slick move. The Democratic senator, who also is up for re-election, followed up with a press release that said he "already" has co-sponsored legislation that would require companies to use the land they lease from the government, or pay a fee.

Nelson said the oil industry has 38 million acres leased onshore but less than half are actually producing oil.Offshore, in places like the Gulf of Mexico, the industry has almost 38 million acres under lease with only 10.5 million acres actually producing oil, Nelson said.