Interesting article -  

The Dems seem to think there's more to the leases than meets the eye.  Pelosi's idea to require lease-holders to "use it or lose it" suggest they know the GOPhers and Big Oil want to sit on the leases so that they can keep the price of oil high.

Do you remember when, some years back, oilmen were pouring concrete down wells because the price didn't suit?  Pre-Iraq war, Sadam was threatening to unleash Iraqi oil on the market (and thereby reduce price).  He also didn't want to trade in dollars, threatening our currency.  I doubt much Iraqi oil will get into the market for a while.  Big Oil seems to think it has more to gain by restricted the flow and pumping up the price.

Additionally, Big Oil doesn't really want to drill in the Artic Wildlife refuge.  It's far too expensive.  So, I think that's a red herring.  I think they want to hold the leases, and make sure no one else drills in it.

It all makes one really (even more) cynical.  

So many people wasting so much time talking about non-solutions and the wrong "problems."  What else can you expect when you've got a bunch of people who don't know jacks**** about energy?