With rising gas costs, Americans in a variety of polls have shown by a majority they now want to explore offshore drilling, so this move will be popular among that majority and John McCain has been pushing for it as well.

Reported on June 26, 2008, the InsiderAdvantage/Poll, asks "Do you favor or oppose increased exploration and production of oil and natural gas off the coasts of Florida?”

Favor (61%)
Oppose (32%)
No opinion (7%)
Rasmussen- June 17, 2008:
"67% Support Offshore Drilling,
64% Expect it Will Lower Prices."

Zogby- June 26, 2008: "74 percent support offshore oil drilling in U.S."