U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., joined a group of senators Thursday in a letter asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the Oct. 1, 2008, expiration of current bans on American energy exploration and production.

The letter was authored by U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. In addition to DeMint and Corker, the letter is signed by Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and 36 other Republican senators.

"We need a balanced approach that will allow us to produce more energy here at home and use less, with a strong emphasis on conservation as we move to alternative energy sources," Corker said in a news release.

"I support environmentally-friendly offshore oil drilling and oil shale production as a bridge to the future while we invest in alternative energy technology. The reality is we cannot make the transition to alternatives overnight."

The text of the letter, spearheaded by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), follows:

"Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:

"It is our hope that Democrats and Republicans will stand together to support American Energy Freedom Day on October 1, 2008. On this day, the current prohibitions on oil and gas exploration off the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and in the oil-shale fields of the West will expire, giving Americans the freedom to access their own energy and providing them with relief from sky-high prices at the pump.

"We strongly encourage you to allow the expiration of these prohibitions on American energy exploration and production, as scheduled under current law, and we will actively oppose any attempt to extend them. Now is not the time to deny Americans access to their own energy supply.

"Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you to ensure a victory for the American people on American Energy Freedom Day."