NACS Letter to DOI Addresses U.S. Oil Exploration

The association shared its perspective on the need for a continued stable supply of domestic energy resources.

August 23, 2017

WASHINGTON – The Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently closed its public comment period asking for input on its effort to write a new 5-year offshore drilling plan. This public comment period kicks off what could be a 2-3 year process of writing a plan that would open parts of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, as well as Alaska’s Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea and Cook Inlet areas to exploration and drilling opportunities. As of last week, BOEM had received more than 50,000 comments, including the letter from NACS.

Interested parties on both sides of the issue, including oil producing interests and environmental groups, have sent in letters for consideration. NACS sent a letter in support of opening up the Outer Continental Shelf for oil exploration. In the letter, NACS shared its perspective on the need for continued stable supply of domestic energy resources.

Congress also weighed in on the bureau’s proposal. Chairman Rob Bishop, along with 110 lawmakers, sent in a delegation letter in support of the proposal. The letter states how it is “imperative” to open up as much of the Outer Continental Shelf as possible to expand U.S. energy independence. On the other side, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman, along with 69 Democrat lawmakers, shared their opposition to the proposal writing not to expand drilling opportunities in the Arctic and Atlantic, stating that the risks to the environment are too high and the consequences are too severe.

BOEM will consider all of the comments as it begins to draft a new 5-year offshore drilling plan. The process is expected to take at least two years.

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