NOIA President President Randall Luthi said, “A blueprint for enabling the President’s priorities and policies, the 2020 Budget is now in the purview of Congress where recommendations will be enacted, modified or ignored. This budget includes some very positive signs for the offshore energy industry, including increased or continued funding for: the safe and responsible development of offshore energy (oil and natural gas and wind), scientific research to inform energy development and exploration, streamlined permitting processes and offshore revenue sharing with states. However, some of the budget recommendations should be rejected by Congress. One example is expanding offshore inspection fees to non-rig units, which has been rejected by Congress in the past.
“Overall, the budget complements the President’s soon to be updated draft proposed national offshore energy plan to provide Americans with access to the energy resources our country needs and ensure taxpayers receive a fair return from their development. In total, the budget is a statement of success for ‘all of the above’ American energy development and puts the President’s vision of energy dominance within our grasp.”