{UAH} GOING AFTER ALLAN BARIGYE THE FORUM BULY WITH HARD FACTS ->We will not attack his family but self with facts ->Part 423

Biden Administration Move Stirs Fury: Gulf Of Mexico Oil And Gas Industry Outraged Over Sweeping New Restrictions

Written By BlabberBuzz | Wednesday, 23 August 2023 15:20

The Biden administration has implemented new restrictions on oil and gas companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico in an effort to protect the endangered Rice's whale species.

This move comes after the administration settled with a coalition of environmental groups last month.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which oversees energy development in federal waters, published a Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) on Monday evening outlining expanded protections for the Rice's whale. The species is listed under the Endangered Species Act. The NTL was originally scheduled to be issued last week but was delayed until Monday.

Critics argue that the Biden administration's decision bypasses legal requirements and the public process, imposing unnecessary restrictions on U.S. energy production. Erik Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association, stated, "Despite lacking ample scientific evidence to support such extensive bans on operations, the agreement targets the domestic offshore oil and gas industry." He further criticized the administration for ignoring the "best science" and jeopardizing America's energy independence.

Under the NTL, BOEM has established a large protection zone in the Gulf of Mexico with several new conditions for industry operators. These include the requirement for specially-trained visual observers on all vessels in the area, a maximum speed limit of 10 knots for all ships, and daytime-only travel through the zone. These recommendations will be incorporated as stipulations to Lease Sale 261, an upcoming offshore oil and gas lease auction. Additionally, BOEM has removed approximately 11 million acres of potential oil-rich lease blocks from the sale.

Milito expressed concern that the expanded protections for the Rice's whale will have far-reaching economic consequences. He stated, "The proposed designation of critical habitat for the Rice's whale will establish a restricted pathway through the entirety of the Gulf of Mexico, imposing disruptions to the full Gulf Coast economy and reverberating throughout the whole U.S. economy." He also highlighted the potential impact on the offshore energy industry's ability to explore, construct, and develop energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico.

The restrictions imposed by the NTL are a result of a federal stipulated stay agreement filed last month. The agreement was reached between the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and four environmental groups, led by the Sierra Club. In exchange for the temporary pause in litigation, the NMFS agreed to several conditions requested by the eco groups.

The lawsuit was initiated nearly three years ago when the environmental coalition sued the NMFS for its alleged failure to properly assess the impacts of the oil industry on endangered and threatened marine wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. The groups argued that the NMFS' biological opinion, resulting from a multiagency consultation, was not based on the best available science.

Critics argue that the Biden administration's actions are part of a broader effort to restrict American energy production, which could lead to higher energy costs and weaken U.S. security. Holly Hopkins, Vice President of Upstream Policy at the American Petroleum Institute (API), stated, "The recommended actions are not justified by existing data nor operational experience, would impose significant burdens on the men and women currently working in the region, and unfairly single out oil and gas traffic in an area that is one of the most used maritime areas in U.S. waters."

According to API, the NTL specifically targets oil and gas traffic while refraining from imposing restrictions on vessel traffic related to other industries.

EM         -> {   Gap   at   46  } – {Allan Barigye is a Rwandan predator}

On the 49th Parallel          

                 Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
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