The International Association of Geophysical Contractors has issued the following press release:
“IAGC States Administration’s Attempt to Permanently Withdraw US Offshore Areas Shows Lack of Insight for Nation’s Energy Independence
Houston, TX— The International Association of Geophysical Contractors President Nikki Martin today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s attempt to ban offshore oil and gas development in portions of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans:
The President’s attempt to permanently withdraw offshore areas in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans from future oil and gas exploration and development demonstrates a lack of long-term protection of the nation’s security and energy independence and lack of consideration for the rule of law.
Today’s decision is based on a flawed interpretation of the section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and is inconsistent with many provisions of the OCSLA, including the law’s original intent, that it is in the national interest to make OCS lands “available for expeditious and orderly development,” and which acknowledges the need to develop the OCS in response to national needs.
The Administration has consistently disregarded the merits of a rational, scientifically-based approach to energy policy as well as disregarded the sentiments of the majority of American citizens who support oil and gas exploration and development. Instead, it has based such an important decision on input from oil and gas opponents and the ideology of a vocal few.
There is no doubt that the U.S. will continue to require a comprehensive strategy for developing its offshore and onshore resources. Both are critical for the nation’s continued economic wellbeing, and national and energy security for decades to come.
Offshore exploration and development can take 10 years or more before production can be brought to market. It is important to allow exploration in new areas to continuously replace declining production in others.
The IAGC looks forward to working with the in-coming Trump Administration and Congress to reverse this shortsighted action.”
