The Federal government is considering new surveys to help us better understand the energy resources in the Mid and South Atlantic. These surveys would update decades-old data to help decide how to secure long-term affordable, reliable energy for families and businesses across America.
Demand for energy is increasing and oil and natural gas will continue to be the predominant way to meet our future needs.
American families across the country are reaping the benefits of lower energy prices, thanks to the U.S. energy revolution!
However, without discovering new resources, the savings we’ve all been enjoying on gasoline, electric bills, and so many consumer goods will be in serious jeopardy.
Jolie Harrison
Chief
Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Harrison:
I am writing to convey my strong support for new, more effective seismic surveys in the Mid and South-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf and to urge the prompt approval of the requested authorizations without unnecessary conditions.
While the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has estimated that the area could hold approximately 7.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, it is likely that new studies would significantly increase these estimates. Much of the information we have on energy resource estimates in the Atlantic is based on decades-old technology. For example, Gulf of Mexico oil resource estimates rose 500% between 1987 and 2011 aided by new surveys utilizing more modern seismic technology. It is for this reason that it is important to better understand and assess energy resources in the Mid- and South Atlantic.
A 2013 study concluded that developing offshore oil and natural gas supplies in the Atlantic would create upwards of 280,000 jobs, contribute $24 billion annually to the U.S. economy, generate $51 billion in tax revenue, and provide 1.3 million barrels of new oil equivalent per day. These resources offer a critical opportunity to enhance our energy, economic, and national security by further reducing our reliance on foreign energy and fueling job and economic growth for families and businesses across the United States. New seismic surveys would help inform decision-making and ensure more economically and environmentally effective activity should these resources ultimately be developed.
BOEM previously stated that it selected “the highest practicable level of mitigation measures and safeguards” for these surveys. The agency has also noted that “there has been no documented scientific evidence of noise from air guns used in…seismic activities adversely affecting marine animal populations or coastal communities” and “no known detrimental impact to…commercial fishing.”
Based on this history and experience, it is clear that the proposed activities can be conducted safely and provide data that is vital to local, state, and national interests. To enhance our knowledge and provide information critical to the long-term energy security of families and businesses across the United States, NMFS should promptly issue the survey authorizations without unnecessary conditions.
