National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Randall Luthi today issued the following statement applauding a bi-partisan letter from U.S. Representatives to President Obama urging the finalization of the long-delayed Atlantic Seismic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS):
“Under the leadership of Congressmen Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Rob Wittman (R-VA), this letter again confirms strong support from across the mid and south Atlantic region for finally conducting a modern seismic survey of potential oil and gas resources in Atlantic waters. For over a generation, Americans have been forced to ignore these potential resources, relying upon outdated estimates using older technology. In a classic Catch-22, we have been prevented from using new technology to get more accurate readings of what is out there, then had that same lack of information used to justify the current administrative prohibitions on Atlantic leasing. The use of modern seismic imaging techniques is the first step to making science-based, data-driven decisions about where to look for energy resources. Following this, actual exploration and development will be needed to reveal the true resource potential of this region, and history tells us we are likely to find more than is currently thought to exist. With the completion of this EIS, we will finally decide as a nation to remove our blindfold and allow for sound science to assist in development decisions in the Atlantic OCS.”
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