Energy industry lobbying group the American Energy Alliance claims lifting the US prohibition on new offshore drilling would provide 1.2 million jobs and substantial revenue.

AEA said opening the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling would provide a total of $2.2 trillion in tax receipts and $70 billion in wages each year.

Citing an estimated 3 million jobs losses expected in the current recession through 2009, “this nation cannot afford to allow Congress to pass up the opportunity to tap into the OCS and its rich energy resources,” the group said.

The ban protects beaches and offshore biomes.