Congressman Gonzalez Urges Department of Interior to Resolve Longstanding Delays for Offshore Oil, Gas, & Wind Leasing and Boost American Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) led a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary, Deb Haaland, urging immediate action to hold uninterrupted offshore oil and gas lease sales under the pending 2023-2028 National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program to avoid the now expected offshore wind leasing cliff.  
 
“Due to current regulations, offshore wind leases cannot move forward until offshore oil and gas leases are offered by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM),” said Congressman Gonzalez. “It’s imperative that BOE finalize the five-year program and hold uninterrupted lease sales immediately so America’s burgeoning offshore wind sector can flourish. This sector will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next few years and drastically improve our country’s energy security by harnessing non-traditional energy sources to power our homes, schools, and businesses. What’s more, offshore wind is poised to be a significant contributor to our environmental restoration efforts — with the potential to invest millions into coastal restoration and outdoor recreation initiatives. For this to work, offshore oil and gas lease sales must be held in a timely manner.” 
 
“Oil and natural gas production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is critical for not only meeting current and future energy demand, but also for supporting conservation programs, driving state and local economies and helping the U.S. meet our emissions reduction goals. By delaying the five-year program for federal offshore leasing, the Department of the Interior is jeopardizing these priorities. Meeting the energy needs of tomorrow will take an all-of-the-above approach, and we thank Representative Gonzalez for standing up for American energy security,” said American Petroleum Institute (API) Vice President of Upstream Policy, Holly Hopkins. 
 
“NOIA expresses our gratitude towards Congressman Gonzalez and his fellow Members of Congress for pushing for the timely completion of the next federal offshore oil and gas leasing program. The reinstatement of consistent and predictable offshore oil and gas lease sales is paramount, safeguarding against potential disruptions to future offshore wind opportunities during this pivotal juncture for the industry. Sound energy policy stands as a cornerstone of our nation's prosperity and should always serve as a unifying issue,” said National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito. 
 
Congressman Gonzalez was joined by Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Marc A. Veasey (TX-33) and Congresswomen Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-AL).  
 
Read the full letter here.   

 
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