Associated Press.  The oil and gas industry says an Obama administration plan to double fees charged for inspections of offshore operations could cost jobs.  The industry recognizes the need for improved inspections and oversight following the massive BP oil spill, American Petroleum Institute president Jack Gerard said. But doubling the fees is not appropriate, especially during a recession, he said.  "This is not the time to go back and impose additional costs on industry," Gerard said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters.  The oil and gas industry contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. government in royalty payments, taxes and other fees, Gerard said, adding that government policies should encourage development of domestic energy while making sure it is safe.  The White House asked Congress late Monday to approve the higher inspection fees as part of a request for $80 million in new spending for the agency that oversees offshore drilling.  The proposal would more than double the amount collected from oil and gas companies, to $45 million next year from about $20 million this year.  (Our friend, Deborah Brollini (NGP Photo) of Alaska Energy Dudes and Divas provided us with this lead.  -dh)