Program Will Grant Access to Critical Energy Supplies in Time of Need
Washington, DC – The American Gas Association (AGA) today lauded the new 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program introduced by the Minerals Management Service (MMS). The program, to be implemented from 2010-2015, would open more federal offshore areas to energy exploration— potentially mitigating energy woes felt by consumers and businesses struggling with high bills.
“With natural gas demand projected to increase by more than 40 percent by the year 2025, supplies must be increased in order for AGA to deliver natural gas to its nearly 70 million customers at a fair and reasonable cost,” said Rick Shelby, AGA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “Currently, there are 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas recoverable from all federal offshore areas. The new 5-Year Program grants access to greater quantities of these supplies. And by producing energy from federal lands, the U.S. will reduce its dependence on foreign sources of energy. “
In light of the current energy situation in the U.S., it is critical that the government allow access to domestic supplies in the OCS.