Most oil, much of gas beneath public lands off limits

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: May 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM MDT

Story Updated: May 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM MDT

BILLINGS - The Bush administration says in a new report that most of the oil and more than 40% of the natural gas beneath 279 million acres of public lands in the United States are off limits to drilling.

The Department of Interior report sharply ratchets up estimates of restrictions on oil and gas compared to past federal inventories. In 2003, for example, a study concentrating on Western states indicated almost 80% of oil and gas reserves in the region was open to development.

Interior Assistant Secretary Stephen Allred says Wednesday's report shows untapped domestic resources could help relieve soaring energy prices. He said Congress first would have to loosen restrictions on drilling.

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