U.S. Chamber calls for lifting ban on Gulf Oil Drilling
“The lack of clear direction on new offshore drilling rules and regulations from the administration has had a chilling effect on activity in the Gulf,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. “While a renewed focus on safety measures, spill prevention, and advanced technology must continue to be pursued aggressively, it must be concurrent with responsible development. Keeping American energy resources offline in the Gulf will only lead to sending more money overseas for oil, less energy security in the short- and long-term, and the loss of thousands of American jobs in a region that cannot afford this hit.”
Already weakened by the devastating accident at the Macondo rig in April, Louisiana faces losses of up to 10,000 jobs this summer if the moratorium persists, with more than 20,000 job losses possible in the next 12-18 months, according to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. Offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico support over 150,000 jobs and account for more than 30% of domestic oil production. In addition, energy contributes $65 billion to Louisiana’s $210 billion economy.
The Daily You Shreveport
6/29/10
Magnolia Tribune
