Putting pressure on congressional Democrats to back more exploration for oil, President Bush on Monday lifted an executive ban on offshore drilling that has stood since his father was president.

But the move, by itself, will do nothing unless Congress acts, too, to revoke its prohibition on offshore drilling.

“The only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action from the U.S. Congress,” Bush said in a statement in the Rose Garden. “Now the ball is squarely in Congress’ court.”

A look at the issue:

Federal opposition

Congressional Democrats, joined by some GOP lawmakers from coastal states, have opposed lifting the prohibition that has barred energy companies from waters along the East and West coasts and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Presidents, from Bush’s father — George H.W. Bush — in 1990 to Bill Clinton have sided against drilling in these waters, as has Congress each year for 27 years. Their goal has to been to protect beaches and coastal states’ tourism economies.

History of the issue

On Jan. 28, 1969, a blowout on a Unocal rig six miles off the coast of California spilled 3 million gallons of oil into the waters off Santa Barbara. The blackened beaches and oil-soaked birds and seals became icons for the environmental movement. Two years ago, a congressional compromise opened an additional 8.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico.

Where candidates stand

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. , reversed his position last month and endorsed expanded offshore drilling.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. , wants to maintain the moratorium on offshore drilling.

How Americans feel

In a May Gallup poll, 57 percent of people surveyed were willing to allow drilling in coastal and wilderness areas that are off limits, if it had the potential to reduce high gas prices.

How much oil is out there, will it affect prices?

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there is the possibility of 17.8 billion barrels, but that’s unproven. That amount would equal about 60 percent of proven U.S. reserves.

The Energy Department doesn’t see a significant impact on domestic production or prices before 2030. Leasing would begin no sooner than 2012, and production would not be expected to start before 2017.

As reported in the Detroit News and Pres Bush who is just playing politics.