BSEE Director: Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Critical to U.S. Energy Dominance

Aerial view of Shell’s Auger Platform in the deep-water U.S. Gulf of Mexico, with the Noble Jim Thompson drilling rig in background. Photo credit: Royal Dutch Shell

Oil and gas production from deepwater projects in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is critical to the Trump Administration’s goal of energy dominance, according to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Director Scott Angelle.

During his speech at a deepwater operations conference in Texas this week, Angelle, stressed the substantial contribution from deepwater and how future exploration and development will be critical to the achievement of energy dominance.

“The offshore oil and gas industry has demonstrated that when faced with challenges in deepwater whether market-based or technology, it continues to innovate and accelerate,” explained Angelle.

In 2016, 82 percent of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil production came from deepwater wells located in water depths greater than 1,000 feet, according to the BSEE. In 1999, deepwater oil production accounted for only 50 percent of total Gulf of Mexico production.

During meetings with energy industry interests, Angelle discussed deepwater activity and future plans for investment.

“In working toward President Trump’s and Secretary Zinke’s goal of energy dominance, industry will need to continue to meet the challenges of deepwater development,” Angelle said. “BSEE must work to ensure that the Outer Continental Shelf is attractive for investment and that all operations are conducted safely and are environmentally sustainable.”

“As we have been investing in the GOM, we are encouraged by the willingness of the new administration to work with industry,” said Mr. Joao Carlos Araujo Figueira, President Director, Petrobras America Inc.

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