WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., commented on the Obama administration’s proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022:
“Listening to Congress and opening parts of the Atlantic is a step in the right direction from an administration that has taken a thousand steps backwards. The Gulf of Mexico has rich natural resources. The five-year leasing proposal would decrease lease sales in the Gulf, failing to utilize these resources.
“The President’s opposition to oil and gas exploration in Alaska threatens the future of oil and gas in Louisiana. Louisiana is home to workers in the oil and gas service and ship building industries. Closing off parts of Alaska for energy exploration means fewer ships, fewer jobs for Louisiana workers. The Obama administration must listen to our workers and local stakeholders when finalizing this plan.”
The House of Representatives voted three times last year to expand access to new OCS acreage and expand revenue sharing to all coastal states. Dr. Cassidy urged the Secretary of Interior to include access to new OCS acreage in drafting this 5-year program. Additionally, the Cassidy Revenue Sharing Amendment to increase states’ share of oil and gas royalties passed the House three times.
Dr. Cassidy is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
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