NOIA Urges Swift Science-Based Atlantic Seismic Survey Permits
For Immediate Release: Friday, July 18, 2014
Contact: Robert Myers, (202) 465-8464, rmyers@nullnoia.org
NOIA Urges Swift Science-Based Atlantic Seismic Survey Permits
Washington, D.C. – Jeff Vorberger, Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs at the National Ocean Industries Association, today issued the following statement regarding the Interior Department’s Record of Decision (ROD) for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) on Atlantic Seismic permitting:
“Our nation is currently evaluating the oil and natural gas resource potential of our Atlantic waters based upon nearly 40-year-old data. Meanwhile, Canada, the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago amongst others are aggressively expanding their Atlantic offshore programs based upon modern seismic surveys. To take full advantage of the current American energy renaissance, and prevent the exodus of offshore jobs, revenue and technology to other nations, the U.S. needs to be on a level playing field with the rest of the world.
“While NOIA welcomes this decision to finally move forward on new Atlantic seismic data collection, we remain concerned this process will be hindered by unnecessary hurdles lacking scientific justification. Permits should be issued swiftly while relying upon sound scientific evidence. For decades in the Gulf of Mexico and around the world, seismic surveys have been a tried and true method for making informed, environmentally sound decisions with regard to oil and gas activities. Our member companies are eager to use this same scientifically guided process to fully realize the Atlantic’s remarkable potential for job creation, U.S. energy security, domestic investment and deficit reduction. ”
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ABOUT NOIA
NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf. NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises about 300 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.
