Gulf Of Mexico Lease Sale 257 Adds Certainty To Gulf Coast Jobs, Supports Climate Progress

National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior issued the Record of Decision for Gulf of Mexico 257:

“The resumption of the offshore lease schedule and of Lease Sale 257 is welcome news. As Louisianans and Gulf Coast residents recover from Hurricane Ida, the resumption of offshore lease sales adds certainty to their jobs and livelihoods.

“There is no shortage of reasons why Gulf of Mexico energy development supports many of the top priorities of the Biden Administration. U.S. Gulf of Mexico production enables low carbon barrels of oil, supports more than 345,000 jobs, many of which are accessible, high-paying and cannot be easily substituted, and generates vital government revenues for conservation and recreation programs, including ones in economically distressed urban areas. Furthermore, Gulf of Mexico leasing can help avert inflationary risks and proactively ensure affordable energy for all walks of life, especially low-income communities.

“Importantly, Federal oil and gas leasing in the offshore is in no way a setback for climate progress. The U.S. offshore produces among the lowest carbon barrels of the oil producing regions. We provide a low carbon energy alternative to oil produced by foreign, higher emitting producers, like Russia and China. As long as Americans depend upon oil and gas for modern life, our policymakers should always choose safe, low emissions American energy.”

About The National Ocean Industries Association
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.