WASHINGTON, D.C--General James L. Jones (USMC Ret.), president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy, today issued the following statement on the importance of expanding domestic oil and gas exploration and production."Over two decades ago, Congress took the option of exploring our abundant domestic resources off the table for the American people. Almost thirty years later in a new century characterized by rising prices and surging global demand, Congress and the Administration must come together in a bipartisan fashion to increase access to our domestic reserves. In the Outer Continental Shelf of America alone, there are enough energy resources to power 100 million homes for 60 years and fuel 85 million cars for 35 years.""Americans are right to demand swift and sensible action to produce more energy right here at home in an environmentally responsible manner using advanced American technology created and operated by a skilled American workforce."Through public education and grassroots advocacy, the Institute for 21st Century Energy is working to unify energy stakeholders and policymakers behind a comprehensive strategy to ensure that America's supply of fuels and power is adequate, diverse and affordable while protecting national security and respecting the need to care for our climate and environment. The Institute also conducts international outreach to address global energy challenges.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.