Skip to main content

New offshore energy plan will benefit South Carolina energy consumers


202.682.8114 | press@api.org


COLUMBIA, January 4, 2018 – David McGowan, Southern Region Director of the American Petroleum Institute (API), today welcomed the Interior Department’s new five-year offshore oil and natural gas leasing plan, which puts South Carolina on the right track towards greater energy production, new jobs and economic growth.

"This bold new leasing plan is welcome news for South Carolina’s energy consumers and economy,” said McGowan. “The ability to safely explore our energy resources is an important part of constructing a robust, forward-looking energy strategy that will provide economic growth, spur investment and manufacturing, and boost job creation while safely coexisting with South Carolina’s tourism industry. The development of our abundant offshore resources will also help the U.S. meet its energy needs well into the future while also strengthening our national security.”

A recent study found that the U.S. natural gas and oil industry supported 67,600 jobs in South Carolina and contributed $5.23 billion to the state’s economy in 2015. 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.

“Safety is a core value of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry,” said McGowan. “Technology, standards, best practices, and programs are being continuously improved and developed to help protect workers, the environment, and marine life. This new offshore leasing plan is one step in a long-term endeavor, and we look forward to engaging in this process to ensure that South Carolina has an energy policy that will help provide affordable energy, protect the environment, and grow our state’s economy.”

API South Carolina 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 supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.

###

Thank you for Subscribing Unable to Process Request x