LMOGA Emphasizes Importance of Responsible Energy Development Ahead of DOI Leasing Program Review


04 15, 2021 by LMOGA

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) submitted comments to the Department of Interior (DOI) to provide information for the development of the interim report on the federal oil and gas program and recommendations for the Department and Congress to improve stewardship of our natural resources to benefit the public, create jobs, and build a more just and equitable future.

The comments describe the important role of offshore energy development in the Gulf of Mexico to the economy, local communities, coastal conservation programs, and achieving our nation’s climate goals.

Excerpts from the comments submitted by LMOGA President and General Counsel Tyler Gray:

Our industry in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has been in operation since the mid-1900’s and has continued to evolve to produce American-made energy through continuously improving environmental protection, operational efficiencies and safety through innovation—to the benefit of the resource owners. Specifically, in the past 10 years, we have seen record improvements in both safety and environmental performance in the GOM all while continuing to increase production output to meet demand.

Combatting Coastal Erosion, Supporting Conservation

In Louisiana, revenue generated from the offshore oil and natural gas industry provides a lifeline to important environmental priorities set out by Governor Edwards and state and local lawmakers. In fact, a majority of the revenue stream for the state’s Coastal Master Plan, which mitigates coastal erosion and has drawn bipartisan support, is derived from this important industry. These revenues, distributed to Gulf states under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), have also proven to be a critical first line of defense against tropical storms and hurricanes for local communities.

GOM Barrels Are Lower in Carbon, More Environmentally Sound

GOM production generates 16% of the nation’s energy on a significantly lower physical footprint than onshore and with one of the lowest carbon footprints of any basin in the world. Again, any effort to halt, delay, or reduce in size federal oil and gas leasing would mean that the nation’s energy supply will be met by foreign oil which will result in higher greenhouse gas emissions.

GOM Energy Producers Are Partners in Local Communities

Our community steps up each year to provide substantial investments to support hurricane relief efforts in the places where we raise our families and work. Indeed, in Louisiana, the oil and gas industry provides 1 in 9 jobs in the entire state, and in all of its regions – signifying a ubiquitous, close, and personal connection among our workers, their families, and their communities.

Louisiana’s oil and natural gas industry shares the desire to tackle climate change, and our industry is investing in new technology and innovations to help achieve meaningful emissions reductions. We need smart, sound transitional policies to successfully achieve our climate goals that reflect the reality that long-term demand for reliable sources of energy will continue to grow.

Click here to see the full comment letter.