Expanding Oil and Gas Access on OCS Important for Future Jobs, Economy

Houston (17 August 2017) – Today, IADC joined with other industry trades to comment on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s request for information and comments on the 2019-2024 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

“In 2015, the U.S. oil and natural gas industry supported more than 10.3 million jobs nationwide and made up more than 7.5% of GDP. It is with these numbers in mind that IADC, along with our industry association counterparts, supports the expansion of available drilling areas in the 5-year leasing plan,” said Jason McFarland, IADC President. “We urge Interior Secretary Zinke to expand access to available resources of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in order to further solidify energy security for the U.S. and future job creation and revenue generation.”

Also today, more than 120 Congressional House Members, both Republicans and Democrats, submitted their own comments to Secretary Zinke, asking him to fully consider all OCS lands, including those that were excluded from the 2017-2022 program. “IADC stands with our elected officials in supporting a robust offshore leasing program that fully considers all areas of the OCS for oil and gas development,” said Mr. McFarland.

About IADC

Since 1940, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) has exclusively represented the worldwide oil and gas drilling industry. IADC’s mission is to catalyze improved performance for the drilling industry by enhancing operational integrity and championing better regulation to facilitate safer, cleaner and more efficient drilling operations worldwide. For more information, visit the IADC website at www.iadc.org.