WASHINGTON, March 10, 2006 – The American Petroleum Institute commends Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton for more than five years of strong leadership at the department that manages lands currently producing one-third of the oil and natural gas in the United States.
During Secretary Norton’s tenure, the department took major strides in boosting the nation’s energy supplies and continued the vision to prepare for its future needs. She was also a forceful advocate for expanding access to additional federal lands for energy exploration and development, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
“Gale Norton demonstrated how a responsible balance can be achieved between protecting America’s resources and making sure we have the reliable supplies of energy needed to keep our nation going strong,” said Red Cavaney, API President and CEO.
The offshore oil and natural gas production plan begun by Secretary Norton is projected to produce 22 billion barrels of oil and 61 trillion cubic feet of natural gas between 2002-2007. The department has also developed a new five-year plan proposing additional areas for offshore energy development.
Interior has issued twice as many permits for onshore oil and natural gas drilling than during the previous five years, which increased natural gas onshore production by 17 percent.
API is also pleased that Secretary Norton increased use of environmental practices that better-protect wildlife and lands by reducing the footprint of energy development.