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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464, jwilliams@nullnoia.org
Biden Oil & Gas Leasing “Pause” Regresses Emissions, Climate Progress
Washington, D.C. - National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s Executive Order establishing a moratorium of new oil and gas leasing:
“This decision is contrary to law and puts America on a path toward increased imports from foreign nations that have been characterized as pollution havens. Any pause of American energy opportunities will do untold harm towards American economic, energy and environmental progress. Reducing American offshore oil and gas development means lost jobs, increased greenhouse gas emissions and less funding for outdoor parks and recreation activities for urban, underprivileged communities. There is no shortage of negative consequences from this leasing pause.
“The Gulf of Mexico is an American strategic asset, driving hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment across every U.S. state. Billions of dollars are generated for Federal, state and local governments. The Land & Water Conservation Fund, and the host of climate-mitigating and environmental justice programs it provides for, receives virtually its entire funding from offshore oil and gas revenues, including new lease bids. This decision could also hamper long-term energy affordability. As Americans continue to rely upon all sources of energy for maintaining a high standard of living, reduced supplies can put upward pressure on prices.
“While the executive order is framed as a step towards a climate solution, it pauses energy opportunities in a region that is already addressing climate and emissions goals. Gulf of Mexico production has a carbon intensity one half of other producing regions and the deepwater has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of any source of oil and gas production. The innovators that define America’s offshore energy industry are already contributing to the continued advancement of climate change solutions.
“The Department of the Interior has a legal obligation to expeditiously develop America’s energy resources. Instead of fulfilling this obligation and capitalizing on an American environmental and emissions success story, this decision delivers an opportunity to China and Russia. As China and Russia seize jobs and investment, their energy, which is produced without the same level of regulations and standards as the U.S., could very well win permanent geopolitical importance to the detriment of the climate and the environment.”
Additional Content
In May 2020, the National Ocean Industries Association released the report, The Economic Impacts of the Gulf of Mexico Oil & Natural Gas Industry Report. Prepared by Energy & Industrial Advisory Partners, the report examines the economic impact of Gulf of Mexico leasing or permitting bans. Below is the study and National and State Fact Sheets:
The Economic Impacts of the Gulf of Mexico Oil & Natural Gas Industry Report
National Economic Impacts One Pager
State Employment Impacts One Pager
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The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464, jwilliams@nullnoia.org
Biden Administration, Congress Should Restore Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement in response to action taken by the outgoing Trump Administration to limit funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership:
“In six short years, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) has demonstrated its immense value to economically distressed urban areas by building or repairing dozens of neighborhood parks and community areas. This program, which is made possible by offshore oil and gas revenues, creates oases and safe havens for vulnerable communities. Undercutting the ORLP directly takes away from many Americans who may not otherwise have access to recreational opportunities or even safe community spaces. The Biden Administration and Congress should take action to shift funding back to this critical program as quickly as possible.
“While the connection to the Gulf of Mexico might be surprising, the ORLP is funded by the Land & Water Conservation Fund which is funded virtually entirely by offshore oil and gas production. The offshore industry is committed to providing environmental justice solutions and the ORLP is just one way the offshore energy industry is lifting vulnerable communities.”
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The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464, jwilliams@nullnoia.org
Offshore Energy Can Unify and Kickstart Biden’s Priorities
Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the inauguration of Joseph Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America:
“The National Ocean Industries Association stands ready to work with President Biden to lift the standard of living and provide a better outlook for every American. The Biden Administration has prioritized COVID-19, climate change, economic recovery, and racial equity as pillars of their inaugural agenda, and the offshore energy industry is well-positioned to contribute constructively to help solve each of these critical issues.
“America’s offshore provides a source of energy with a small environmental footprint, low carbon intensity, and advantages from an environmental justice standpoint, all the while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs located across all fifty states. Along with the billions of dollars in funding for parks and recreation programs that promote environmental justice solutions for communities throughout our country, the Biden administration should recognize that the offshore energy ecosystem is driving energy and climate innovation and providing a way to scale and deploy real-world solutions.
“While the political landscape in Washington, D.C. changed today, the promise of American energy remains constant. Together, we can pursue an offshore energy agenda that helps every American.”
Additional Content
NOIA Offshore Wind Priorities List for Biden Administration
Importance of Gulf of Mexico Energy Production to the United States
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The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.