AGA Commends Senate Energy Committee for Supporting the Development of New Domestic Natural Gas Resources

Washington, D.C. – The America Gas Association (AGA) today applauded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for passing measures to support the development of U.S. natural gas resources along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) that will benefit consumers, the economy and the environment.  Specifically, AGA commended the passage of an amendment sponsored by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) which would allow new oil and gas leasing around Florida’s gulf coast beyond 45 miles from the shore.

“Increased access to domestic resources will not only help lower energy costs for consumers but will also ultimately help make America more energy secure,” said David Parker, AGA’s president and CEO. “We are pleased that the Dorgan amendment will provide access to the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, which is known to have vast resources of natural gas that are close to existing pipelines and other vital infrastructure. This vote moves us one step closer to greater control of our natural resources.”

The Dorgan amendment also allows energy companies to have access to the Destin Dome field, an area off the shores of Pensacola, Fla., believed to hold 2.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
“AGA strongly supports the development of these new reserves and we are pleased that Chairman Bingaman and his committee are working to expedite their production and delivery to the nation’s consumers,” Parker said.