The moratorium on offshore drilling in the US has been in place since 1981, but rising world oil prices have put the long-standing ban in doubt.

Mr Bush is about to urge the US Congress to lift the ban and allow oil and gas drilling off both America's east and west coasts.

A spokeswoman for the President says the Democrat-controlled Congress should not "waste time" delaying the move at a time when petrol prices are at all time highs.

Mr Bush will also renew his calls for oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Democrats and environmentalists are opposing the moves, citing the possibility of oil spills in both the Arctic and on American beaches.

Source: By ABC Australia Copyright