Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Obama Announces Expansion of Offshore Oil Exploration President Obama says move part of broader strategy that shifts American dependence on fossil fuels, foreign oil to domestic fuels, clean energy VOA News 31 March 2010 Offshore oil drilling platform 'Gail' operated by Venoco, Inc. off the coast of California near Santa Barbara, 1 May 2009 Photo: AP Offshore oil drilling platform 'Gail' operated by Venoco, Inc. off the coast of California near Santa Barbara, 1 May 2009 U.S. President Barack Obama has announced plans to open large areas of the east and southern coasts of the United States to oil and gas exploration and drilling. President Obama said the move is part of a broader strategy that shifts American dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil to domestic fuels and clean energy. The plan ends a more than 20-year ban on most offshore drilling outside the Gulf of Mexico.  Environmentalists are strongly opposed to the plan as are some members of Mr. Obama's Democratic Party who are concerned about the environmental impact. Mr. Obama said he did not make the decision lightly. He said the drilling must balance the need to harness domestic energy resources while protecting natural resources. The president hopes the action will attract the support of opposition Republicans and encourage the U.S. Congress to pass a stalled bill on climate change. The largest new areas to be opened to exploration and drilling are the waters about 80 kilometers off the U.S. east coast, stretching from the mid-Atlantic state of Virginia to the southern state of Florida. The plan also would allow new drilling platforms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico if the U.S. Congress allows a moratorium on drilling there to expire. But Mr. Obama will cancel all but one proposed or pending lease for drilling in the state of Alaska. He called for Congress to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that will foster new industries and create millions of jobs protecting the planet and helping the nation become more energy independent. He announced the plan Wednesday with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at Andrews Air Force Base in the state of Maryland, just outside Washington. Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reduce American greenhouse gas emissions, but similar legislation has stalled in the Senate. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .