Obama eases drilling ban

US President Barack Obama has announced proposals to expand offshore oil and gas exploration in a bid to reduce foreign energy dependency.



The White House says drilling will be allowed off Virginia and consideration will be given to allowing much of the rest of the Atlantic coast to be included.



Officials say plans for some drilling sites in Alaska will be cancelled but one will proceed.



A long-standing drilling ban has covered the Atlantic coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska.



Mr Obama\'s decision to consider more drilling could help secure support for a climate change bill languishing in Congress.



However Republicans have criticized the plan, saying it prevents the biggest US offshore energy resources from being developed at a time when petrol prices are high and jobs scarce.