This article addresses the issues and concerns about offshore oil drilling in the United States. The demand for energy is going up, not down, and for a long time, even as alternative sources of energy are developed, more oil will be needed. The strongest argument against drilling is that it could distract the country from the pursuit of alternative sources of energy. The United States cannot drill its way to energy independence. With the developing economies of China and India steadily increasing their oil needs in their latter-day industrial revolutions, the United States can no longer afford to turn its back on finding all the sources of fuel necessary to maintain its economy and standard of living. What is required is a long-term, comprehensive plan that includes wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels, and nuclear--and that acknowledges that oil and gas will be instrumental to the United States' well-being for many years to come. A classroom activity that allows students to argue for or against offshore oil drilling is included. (Contains 3 figures.)