API: Department Of Defense Eastern Gulf Of Mexico Report Supports Expanded Access For Offshore Oil And Natural Gas Development In Key Areas

Washington – Following the publication of the Department of Defense’s Compatibility Assessment Report for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, API’s Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito released the following statement.

“Offshore oil and natural gas exploration and development already successfully co-exists with U.S. military operations in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Milito. “Military training operations and domestic energy production are critical components of our national security.  This new report on the Eastern Gulf of Mexico confirms that continued collaboration between the Department of Defense and Interior will enable the successful coexistence of continued military training and expanded American oil production.”

“The continued coordination between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Defense is an important aspect of Secretary Zinke’s National Offshore Leasing Plan and helps ensure that oil and natural gas offshore activities are done safely and responsibly in a manner that doesn’t interfere with U.S. military operations.”

“Combined with cutting-edge technologies and best practices, offshore exploration and development can occur in a wider range of offshore areas than is currently permitted, while still supporting the needs of the U.S. military. Allowing for expanded access of oil and natural gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will benefit the U.S. economy, advance our long-term energy future, and bolster our national security as our reliance on foreign nations lessens.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.