Washington, D.C. – Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, alongside their colleagues, are pushing back against proposed regulations by the Biden administration that could severely impact offshore energy production in the Gulf of Mexico. In a joint statement, the senators urged the Commerce and Interior Departments to reconsider regulations that could potentially stifle economic activity and job growth in coastal communities.
Senator Kennedy stated, “Imposing restrictions on development in the Gulf of Mexico would directly harm the economic activity and jobs across coastal communities.” He emphasized the need for evidence-based policymaking to ensure the continued vitality of the region’s energy sector.
The proposed regulations stem from an agreement reached between the Biden administration and environmental organizations in July 2023. This agreement aims to restrict the use of oil and gas carrier vessels in specific parts of the Gulf, citing concerns about their interference with the habitat of the Rice’s whale species.
According to Senator Cassidy, “While we appreciate efforts to protect wildlife, regulations must be based on sound scientific evidence.” He emphasized the importance of relying on robust data to inform policymaking decisions.
The senators underscored the significant economic impact of the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting the vital role of ports in facilitating commercial activity. Imposing restrictions on Gulf development, they argue, would directly harm economic activity and jobs in coastal communities across the region.
“In issuing regulations with such significant impacts on our economy and national security, it is imperative to rely on the best available science,” said Senator Kennedy. He cautioned against moving forward with regulations based on outdated data and non-peer-reviewed claims.
The proposed regulations would block 6 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico from oil and gas production, citing concerns about the disturbance of the Rice’s whale habitat due to ship traffic. However, the senators argue that the methodology used in the cited study lacks scientific evidence and could disrupt energy production in the Gulf.
The senators’ advocacy against the proposed regulations comes amidst concerns about their potential impact on America’s energy production and offshore lease sales. They are urging the administration to reconsider its approach and prioritize evidence-based policymaking to ensure the continued vitality of the Gulf’s energy sector.
