Resumption of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Strengthens Link Between Gulf of Mexico, Community Safe Havens

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 11, 2021
NOIA Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464 | jwilliams@nullnoia.org

Resumption of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Strengthens Link Between Gulf of Mexico, Community Safe Havens

Washington, D.C. - National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior announced it was reinstating pre-existing implementation of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program:

"NOIA welcomes the news that Interior is reverting back to the original implementation of the bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). In just six years, the ORLP has demonstrated immense value to economically distressed urban areas by building or repairing dozens of neighborhood parks and community areas. At no cost to the taxpayer, these spaces enhance the community, provide positive outlets for children and adults and, most importantly, creates vital safe spaces that may not otherwise be available.

"While some may question what offshore energy and the Gulf of Mexico have to do with the ORLP, the answer is simple: the ORLP is funded by the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 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. Ensuring continued Gulf of Mexico energy production will ensure the continued success of the LWCF and programs like the ORLP."

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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.