API Praises Pro-Energy Legislation From Congressman Rigell

API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito praised legislation introduced recently by Congressman Scott Rigell (R-Va.) to allow drilling off the coast of Virginia.

“Eighty-seven percent of federally-controlled offshore areas remain off-limits to energy production. Unlocking this oil and natural gas could provide a major boost to domestic energy production, state and local economies, and government revenue. The legislation proposed by Congressman Rigell is an excellent first step.

“Tapping resources off the coast of Virginia and other Atlantic states will be a key part of the all-of-the-above energy plan President Obama has promised. Before the first well can be drilled, the federal government must schedule lease sales and permit modern seismic surveys, which are essential for locating undersea energy resources.”

About API
API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85M a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2T in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.