HOUSTON- Today, Energy Workforce & Technology Council issued the following statement regarding a federal court’s decision to grant the oil and gas industry’s request for a stay until May 21, 2025, to continue operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The stay will allow the National Marine Fisheries Service more time to complete a new biological opinion for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and avoid sweeping consequences for the oil and gas industry.
“In August, a Biden-appointed judge in Maryland ruled to vacate the current 2020 Gulf of Mexico Biological Opinion due to concerns that the recently discovered Rice Whale habitat wasn’t considered when the opinion was drafted as it was before the whale was officially recognized as a distinct species,” said Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley.
“The practical consequence? The decision could have significantly curtailed or shuttered 14% of total U.S. crude oil production and 5% of total U.S. natural gas production. While the decision to stay the BiOp is welcomed, a new BiOp must be together by May 21, 2025. A new BiOp must be put together to ensure that oil and gas operations continue without interruption,” Tarpley continued.
About Energy Workforce & Technology Council
Energy Workforce & Technology Council is the national trade association for the global energy technology and services sector, representing more than 650,000 U.S. jobs in the technology-driven energy value chain. Energy Workforce works to advance member policy priorities and empower the energy workforce of the future.
