IADC has joined oil trade groups API, AXPC
(American Exploration & Production Council), IPAA, NOIA and USOGA to oppose
HR 21, which purports to establish a sweeping overhaul and streamlining of
Proponents of the legislation have falsely
claimed that the oil and gas industry supports HR 21. Consequently, a letter
signed by leading E&P trade associations was sent to the Democratic
chairman and ranking Republican of the House Natural Resources Committee
denying that claim.
The letter illustrated the flaws of the bill in
terms of offshore energy development. For example, the bill mandates a
“National Ocean Policy” (NOP), which must be implemented according to
principles that are vague and that would open up a floodgate of litigation. The
NOP would conflict with settled laws, including NEPA, CZMA, Clean Water Act,
etc. Every federal agency would have to examine how and if it complies with
NOP, the effect of which could be to cripple other laws governing public lands,
transportation, energy, housing, recycling, mining or marine environment
protection.
For more information, contact Brian Petty
at 1/202-293-0670 (brian.petty@iadc.org).