01/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/16/2025 16:14
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025. The legislation requires the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to hold two offshore oil and gas lease sales per year for 10 years-resulting in 20 total lease sales.
"For the last four years, the Biden administration has waged war on American energy. This intentional attack has depleted our domestic energy supply and made us dependent on foreign adversaries. Offshore energy development in the Gulf of Mexico is essential to our nation's all-of-the-above energy strategy, offering immense economic, national security, and environmental advantages. We need to fully tap into our abundant energy resources, including in the Gulf. I'm proud to join Senator Cassidy in this effort, and will continue working with the Trump administration to restore America's energy independence," said Sen. Tuberville
U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cassidy are joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in cosponsoring the legislation.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), Gulf Energy Alliance (GEA), and Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA).
Read full text of the legislation here.
BACKGROUND:
The current five-year plan for offshore oil and gas drafted under the Biden-Harris administration only suggests three lease sales over five years. Given that 2024 was the first year without an offshore lease sale in more than 50 years, it is important to provide long-term leasing certainty that companies can rely on.
In addition to mandating sales, the bill also defines acreage, stipulates lease terms and conditions, defines which previously finalized environmental reviews will apply to the sales, and ensures that both issued leases and drilling permit applications are not either invalidated, remanded, or delayed as a result of civil litigation. The bill also codifies President Trump's 2020 memorandum to withdraw the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from leasing for the duration of the legislation.
The Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025:
Sen. Tuberville cosponsored the Offshore Energy Act of 2023 last Congress.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
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