Washington, DC -

 

US Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-Southwest Louisiana) today praised the issuance of the first deepwater drilling permit since the offshore drilling moratorium began in May 2010.

“This first deepwater permit is critical to restoring jobs in Louisiana, especially at a time of rising gas prices and turmoil in the Middle East,” Boustany said. “The United States cannot afford to continue its reliance on foreign energy when so many of our natural resources sit idly by in our own backyard.
On Monday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) approved a permit for Noble Energy’s Well #2, located 70 miles south east of Venice, Louisiana. Noble Energy received the permit after contracting to use the newly developed Helix containment system which aims to ensure the safety of the well should a control event occur.
“The people of Louisiana are united in their voices - they are ready to return to work,” Boustany continued. “This is a major step toward getting American energy production up and running again. This is important for the Gulf Coast, but there is a permit backlog and BOEMRE must approve other permits without delay.
Boustany added, “I have been vocal in my support for our energy producers in Louisiana and will continue my efforts until the permitting process has returned to normal.”

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