Statement of NOIA President Tom Fry on Virginia Governor (elect) Bob McDonnell’s Letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

For Immediate Release:                                       Contact:  Nicolette Nye

Tuesday, December 29, 2009                                                 (202) 347-6900          

Statement of NOIA President Tom Fry on

Virginia Governor (elect) Bob McDonnell’s Letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

WASHINGTON, DC – “The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) wholeheartedly applauds Virginia Governor (elect) Bob McDonnell for his letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar clearly urging that Virginia be kept in the Department’s current 5 Year Oil and Gas Leasing Plan and a lease sale offshore Virginia be completed.

“America cannot have increased energy supply without increased access, and new areas of the Outer Continental Shelf cannot be leased unless they are included in 5-Year Leasing Plan and sales are scheduled. None of this can happen until the necessary environmental reviews are conducted, and we urge the Interior Department to begin this important work as soon as possible.

“Virginia could be the first area of the Atlantic OCS formerly under moratorium to be leased in nearly 30 years.  Offshore leases in Virginia would provide new jobs, new federal and state revenue, and new energy for America. 

“NOIA and our member companies look forward to working with the State of Virginia and the Department of Interior to help this become a reality.”

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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 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.