This is regarding an Associated Press article “Much of nation’s oil restricted” (Sun Journal, Nov 29). Independent oil and natural gas producers applaud the U.S. Department of Interior’s new study, which proves that bans, restrictions and bureaucratic delays are preventing responsible domestic energy development.

The report shows that only 3 percent of onshore federal oil and 13 percent of onshore federal gas are accessible to America’s oil and gas producers under standard lease terms. The 99 million acres inventoried by the Bureau of Land Management is estimated to contain 187 trillion cubic-feet of natural gas and 21 billion barrels of oil.

The report clearly demonstrates the distinction between what is available and what is accessible. There is enough onshore oil and natural gas available in the United States to significantly alleviate the burden on American consumers while strengthening our energy security.

Therefore, the nation’s independent oil and natural gas producers are urging federal lawmakers to use the results of this study to develop policies that streamline regulatory burdens placed on American oil and gas development.

Michael Linn, Pittsburgh, Pa., chairman, Independent Petroleum Association of America