The Proposed ITR Revisions Are An Important Step Towards Eliminating Gulf of Mexico Permitting Delays

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 5, 2023
NOIA Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464 | jwilliams@nullnoia.org

The Proposed ITR Revisions Are An Important Step Towards Eliminating Gulf of Mexico Permitting Delays

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the National Marine Fisheries Service published proposed revisions to the Incidental Take Regulation in the Federal Register:

"NOIA thanks the many Members of Congress who have engaged over many months of hard work on this critical issue and especially for the leading efforts by Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Garret Graves.

"While we are still reviewing the rule, the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) proposed revisions to the Incidental Take Regulation are an important step toward enabling the Administration to eliminate permitting delays that hold up U.S. energy production. The permitting delays related to this rule have been substantial and were the result of errors and shortcomings in the initial rule that were acknowledged by NMFS. Such permitting obstacles undermine the predictability companies rely upon to make multi-billion-dollar investment decisions in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico serves as a national strategic energy asset, operating under world class safety standards, producing among the lowest carbon barrels of oil in the world and boosting our national security at a critical time in history."

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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.

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Phone: 202.347.6900 | Email: media@nullnoia.org