NOIA Statement on the Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale and Record of Decision

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
NOIA Contact: jwilliams@nullnoia.org

NOIA Statement on the Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale and Record of Decision

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued the Final Notice of Sale and Record of Decision for Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261:

“The Gulf of Mexico is a long-standing and vital source of reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy that is crucial to the wellbeing of our nation. The removal of nearly 10 million acres and the application of needless restrictive measures, included as part of the Stipulated Stay agreement, poses a real barrier to America’s energy production capabilities, at a time when they’re needed more than ever, with inflation driving up the costs of everything for Americans including gasoline at the pump.

"Furthermore, the unnecessary gap in the leasing program is eroding long term confidence and certainty in the Gulf of Mexico. This poses a threat to the energy, economic, and environmental benefits the Gulf has provided for nation for decades.

"We are a foundation of hundreds of thousands of jobs while being a source of some of the world’s least carbon-intensive barrels. We can provide much for a nation, but the government needs to be a partner to utilize this national strategic benefit."

Download NOIA Letter to Secretary Haaland Here
Download NOIA One Pager on the Stipulated Stay Agreement Here

About NOIA 
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.