For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Contact: Nicolette Nye, (202) 465-8463, nnye@nullnoia.org
Revised Policies on Rigs to Reefs are a Step in the Right Direction
Washington, D.C. – NOIA President Randall Luthi today issued the following statement regarding BSEE’s Rigs to Reefs Interim Policy Document:
“The Interim Policy Document provides welcome additional flexibility to both industry and government agencies as they jointly identify and evaluate suitable structures to serve as continuing havens to thriving marine ecosystems following the end of oil and gas production. This is a great example of the progress that can be made when industry and regulating agencies communicate with each other. It is gratifying to see government and industry come together to cooperatively and responsibly address this complex and important environmental issue. The policy revisions are a step in the right direction for the responsible and environmentally conscious use and subsequent reuse of the oil and gas infrastructure located in the Gulf of Mexico. We appreciate the opportunity to work with BSEE, BOEM and other stakeholders in shaping this document, and look forward to further refining the process, particularly concerning better use of toppled structures on a case-by-case basis, and what additional materials can be left on structures as we work through decommissionings, rigs to reefs, and special artificial reef sites.“
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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.