NOIA and its members welcome a thoughtful and rational discussion of our Nation’s energy needs and energy supply; however, such a discussion should not be an emotional knee jerk reaction to the ongoing crises in the Gulf of Mexico. First and foremost, our collective attention, that of the industry, Administration and Congress, should be directed to the immediate need to stop the flow of oil and contain and clean up the oil in the Gulf. Next comes finding out what caused the discharge and how to prevent a reoccurrence in the future. Once those facts are known, then policy makers are in an informed position to discuss options. Legislation resulting in unlimited liability for offshore accidents will devastate many offshore exploration and production companies.