Many in the environmental community are annoyed by Barack Obama’s change of position on offshore drilling, even while they applaud his comprehensive energy plan.

The Democratic candidate had staunchly opposed new drilling on the outer continental shelf, but then shifted his position on Friday to say he would be open to some drilling if it were necessary to reach compromise on a broader energy plan — like the one introduced by a bipartisan “Gang of 10″ late last week. That plan, which Obama indicated he could support, calls for limited offshore drilling as well as increased investment in clean energy, with the overarching aim of reducing America’s oil dependence.

Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder was quick to criticize Obama’s position switch. “Friends of the Earth Action endorsed Barack Obama in May in large part because he spoke out against the ‘gas tax holiday’ gimmick that would have done nothing to reduce our dependence on oil,” Blackwelder said in a statement Monday afternoon. “That’s why it’s so disappointing to see Obama now say he would consider expanding offshore drilling, even though he knows it is not a real solution to the energy crisis that is devastating our environment and our economy.” Blackwelder also criticized the “Gang of 10″ legislation for including funding for liquefied coal and nuclear power.

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