One of the largest benefits of offshore drilling is to keep one step ahead of international competitors in terms of oil and natural gas supply and cost. For example some of the continental shelf could be explored by other nations for its supply if the U.S. does not take advantage. Additionally, by pumping more of its own fuel the United States is less on reliant on outside sources and is able to spend less on competitors' fossil fuels. Many politicians are in agreement that it would be better to rely on domestic fuel rather than foreign.