FLORIDA PETROLEUM COUNCIL: New offshore energy plan will benefit Florida consumers and strengthen U.S. national security
TALLAHASSEE, January 4, 2018 – Florida Petroleum Council Executive Director David Mica today welcomed the Interior Department’s new proposal for a five-year offshore oil and natural gas leasing plan, putting Florida on the right track towards greater energy production, new jobs and economic growth.
"The new offshore energy plan is welcome news for Florida’s energy consumers and our economy,” said Mica. “Allowing us to explore our offshore energy will boost our state economy and spur investment – all while safely coexisting with our agriculture, tourism and fishing industries as well as U.S. military operations. The administration has recognized that the ability to access our abundant offshore resources in a safe and environmentally responsible way will help our nation meet our energy needs well into the future.
“The U.S. natural gas and oil industry is constantly developing and improving safety standards, programs, new technologies, and best practices to protect our workers, the environment and marine life. Exploring what energy resources lie off our coast is an important part of a prudent, forward-looking energy strategy that strengthens our national security and provides a foundation for long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
Since 2010, more than 100 exploration and production industry standards were created or strengthened, including standards for safety and environmental management, well design, blowout prevention and spill response.
“Increasing access to our offshore resources could create new jobs, generate billions of dollars in government revenue and add more than a million barrels per day of oil equivalent production, helping to provide affordable energy sources for Florida’s families and businesses.”
Florida relies on natural gas to generate nearly 70 percent of its electricity. A recent study examined the economic benefits and opportunities from the entire natural gas value chain in Florida. The study found that natural gas benefited Floridians in 2015 in the following ways:
- Supported 91,189 jobs in the state
- Contributed $12.57 billion to the state’s economy
The Florida Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.
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