Issuance of First New Deepwater Drilling Permit since Gulf Spill is a Testament to Industry and Government Cooperation

For Immediate Release:                                                      Contact:  Nicolette Nye

Monday, February 28, 2011                                                        (202) 347-6900          

 

Issuance of First New Deepwater Drilling Permit since Gulf Spill is a Testament to Industry and Government Cooperation

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC – NOIA President Randall Luthi today issued the following statement on the issuance of the first permit for new deepwater drilling in nearly a year.

 

“The actual issuance of a permit for new deepwater drilling is long awaited and an important step forward in the wise development of energy off our shores.  With all the world-complicating factors, including rising oil prices, political turmoil in the Middle East and the loss of jobs in the Gulf of Mexico, this decision offers hope that the United States is getting back in the energy and jobs market.  

 

“Taking the Department of Interior at its word that this is not a token permit and that many are lined up to be approved in the near future, today’s action sends a calming signal to operators, producers and service companies that the long drought is just about over.  It is also a compliment to Director Bromwich and a testament to the efforts of many within industry, that the containment and safety issues can be resolved when industry and BOEMRE work together.

 

“I have  been critical of late of the Department of the Interior concerning the pace of permitting and their decision not to open any new areas for exploration in the future, but today I commend the efforts of all those who have worked long and hard to  make this permit possible.   Our member companies and the thousands of their employees look forward to getting back to work providing energy for American families.”

 

 

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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.  The NOIA membership comprises more than 275 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine, land and air transport, warehousing and logistics to offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance.

 

National Ocean Industries Association
1120 G Street, NW • Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202.347.6900 | Email: media@nullnoia.org