LDNR touts an industry worth fighting for

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, ExxonMobil announced major oil and natural gas discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Drilled with one of the first permits issued post-moratorium, it is estimated that this discovery will produce more than 700 million barrels of oil equivalent.

ExxonMobil’s is one of the most significant discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico in the last decade, significant not only because of the volume of oil and gas and the contribution this fuel will have to America’s energy security, but also because this discovery proves that the Gulf of Mexico offshore industry is capable of finding the fuel that energizes America in a safe and responsible manner.

Additionally, the presence of this activity impacts Louisiana’s businesses and communities in a positive way.

Exxon Mobil is utilizing several Louisiana companies to support this exploration activity. Edison Chouest and Otto Candies vessels are operating out of Port Fourchon. Additionally, Exxon Mobil is utilizing PHI Inc. for helicopter travel.

While this discovery is great news, it does not signal the end of our efforts to improve the deepwater permitting process.

The Back to Work Coalition has traveled to Washington, D.C., 10 times and held over 20 conference calls with Bureau of Ocean Energy staff. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that permits are issued in a timely manner so that discoveries like this can continue to strengthen America’s energy security and provide affordable energy for all Americans, and that the hardworking men and women of the Gulf’s energy industry can have consistent and safe opportunities to work offshore.

This historic ExxonMobil discovery is proof that the Gulf of Mexico offshore industry has much to give the United States and it proves that this is an industry worth fighting for.

Scott A. Angelle,

Secretary, La. Department of Natural Resources

Founder, America’s Back to Work Coalition