Together with our industry, LMOGA has spent much of this year advocating on behalf of Gulf of Mexico energy workers, promoting the importance of Gulf energy production for our economy and for our nation’s energy security.

This summer, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released a delayed proposed offshore oil and gas leasing program that includes up to 10 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and 1 in Alaska. The public comment period for the proposed leasing program is coming to a close this week on Thursday, October 6^th and its important that policymakers know how critical a supportive leasing program is for our future.

America needs energy policy grounded in reality. The administration should support policies that allow for safe, affordable, and reliable supplies of all forms of energy, including offshore oil and natural gas, and encourage the continued investment of technologies that help in decarbonization efforts while funding critical coastal conservation efforts to protect our coastline.

As LMOGA President Tommy Faucheux said in a statement from July:

“We hope the Administration recognizes that it's time for the rhetoric around high energy costs to match policy actions. Promoting increased dependence on foreign oil threatens American jobs and deprives our state and local communities of much-needed revenue, all while likely increasing the risks of climate change and creating economic uncertainty when we need it most.”

Offshore energy leasing and development has consistently received bipartisan support from state and national leaders who recognize the importance of domestic production for our economy and our environment.

Last week while attending the U.S. Oil and Gas Association Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., LMOGA’s Tommy Faucheux was able to thank Senator Joe Manchin in person for his efforts to include lease sales in the Inflation Reduction Act.

In August, LMOGA responded to the passage of IRA:

“We appreciate the positive progress in the Inflation Reduction Act on Gulf of Mexico lease sales and the inclusion of provisions that address the energy transition, creating more operational certainty for our industry offshore and encouraging continued investment in low carbon solutions, such as carbon capture and sequestration.”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards advocated for responsible energy development in a May letter to President Biden thanking his Administration for additional funding for coastal Louisiana restoration and protection projects and requesting an in-person meeting given the importance of continued leasing in the Gulf of Mexico and the need to create a new 5 Year Program with offshore lease sales.

During the state’s most recent legislative session, the Louisiana Legislature showed majority support through resolutions passed urging federal action on resuming domestic energy leasing and development.

We appreciate our legislative leadership’s support of this critical issue, and Governor Edwards’ ongoing advocacy on behalf of the people of Louisiana for reasonable and responsible domestic oil and gas development while taking concrete steps to continue significantly reducing carbon emissions on a path to a net zero future economy.

As geopolitical tensions rise and energy prices remain at historically high levels, the world is looking to America for energy leadership and stability. An offshore leasing program without sales is a non-starter that will hamstring our county’s future flexibility, undermine our national security, and make energy even more expensive.

As one of the lowest carbon-intensive producing regions in the world, the Gulf of Mexico energy industry stands ready to work collaboratively towards achieving our climate goals and meeting global energy demands

It’s clear that the Department of the Interior must swiftly issue a Final 5-year Program for offshore leasing that includes all 11 proposed sales. A stronger Gulf of Mexico means a stronger Louisiana and a stronger America.

TAKE ACTION: It’s not too late to submit your own comments on the 5-year plan. Click here to support domestic energy development and make your voice heard.