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DNR Secretary Angelle Comments on BOEMRE’s Implementation of Blanket Extension for Federal Leases

Extension will apply to all federal leases impacted by the moratorium on deepwater drilling

Monday, May 16, 2011

BATON ROUGE –Today, LA Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle commented on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement’s (BOEMRE) implementation of a blanket extension for federal leases impacted by the moratorium.

 

“In the Back to Work Coalition’s January 12 meeting with Director Michael Bromwich and BOEMRE staff, we presented information and recommended that all federal leases affected by the moratorium on deepwater drilling be extended,” said Angelle. “I am glad to see that the Bureau is putting this recommendation into action by implementing this blanket extension.” 

 

Originally, BOEMRE staff indicated that all lease extensions would be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

“This blanket extension is good public policy because it gives all affected operators the opportunity to make up for lost time and exploration and production that was halted due to the moratorium on deepwater drilling,” added Angelle. “However, I believe that this decision should also apply to shallow water leases due to the uncertain permit issuance environment experienced in that province during the last 12 months.”

As the state’s liaison between the offshore oil and gas industry and the federal government, Angelle has led the effort to bring a return to responsible exploration and the job and economic stability that come with it.  Under Governor Jindal’s direction, he established the Back to Work Coalition, a group of industry representatives facilitated by the Gulf Economic Survival Team (GEST).  Angelle has presented a unified voice to Director Bromwich and BOEMRE officials in order to create a clearer roadmap for resumption of normal Gulf exploration operations. 

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