Half a million people want a say in how or whether the Obama administration develops energy from the Outer Continental Shelf along the nation’s coastlines.

The Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service announced today that 530,000 people have responded in the public comment period about the issue, reports Barb Barrett.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced in February that he was extending the Bush administration’s timeline for developing a plan on drilling for oil and natural gas off the nation’s coastlines.

Salazar also announced that the administration would expand its review of offshore energy to include the potential for wind, wave and currents.

According to studies, the coastline off North Carolina’s Outer Banks contain some of the best wind potential in the nation. Previous studies have indicated reserves of natural gas and, possibly, oil in the same region.

The Department of Interior’s public comment period ended Monday. After the administration reviews the comments, its next step is to begin an environmental analysis for a five-year plan, as required by law, for oil and gas development in the Outer Continental Shelf.