Scott Angelle: Gulf energy balances need with nature

The Earth rotates on its axis, just one example, though quite important to our existence, that the Earth is all about balance.
Throughout our lives, we continually seek balance – whether work and family or activity and rest. Our efforts for energy development and production is another area where balance is of ultimate importance.
Balancing the 3Es – environment, energy and economy – is essential if we are to be a strong Nation; secure, self-reliant and prosperous.
For more than half a century, USA energy workers have kept this balance. Thanks to the innovation of these workers, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is one of the most climate advantaged energy-producing provinces in the world.
Recent research regarding carbon emissions reveals that Gulf production has approximately half the carbon intensity per barrel of other producing regions worldwide.
When it comes to flared or vented methane, the Gulf has consistently been one of the best performing provinces in the world with a ratio of less than 1.25% of flared or vented to produced gas.
Furthermore, according to a 2020 Wood Mackenzie report at least 73.4% of the oil imported to the United States had a higher carbon intensity than U.S. Gulf of Mexico production.
This data bolsters conclusions in a 2016 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management report, produced under the Obama-Biden administration, that found emissions would increase without new Gulf lease sales because foreign-produced oil would take its place, and “the production and transport of that foreign oil would emit more” greenhouse gases.
Even with these findings and warnings by our own government, one of the first actions taken by the current administration was to pause offshore lease sales.
Yes, that is exactly the unbalanced path that we are on.
Recent requests by the White House for OPEC to increase production in the wake of vilifying American production is not only detrimental to the Environment but also an insult to the USA Energy Worker.
The ability to reduce pain at the pump and soaring inflation starts with domestic energy solutions.
As we celebrate Earth Day 2022, given the climate advantaged production of the Gulf of Mexico, the White House has an opportunity today to improve the environment without further wrecking the economy by immediately drafting a new five -year leasing program and ending the pause on offshore lease sales.
Let’s advance the health of our planet by substituting foreign-sourced production with more U.S. offshore energy while creating more USA jobs!
Scott Angelle, the longest-serving director of the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, also held positions in Louisiana as lieutenant governor, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources and chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Angelle was recognized by the General Accounting Office, a nonpartisan, fact-based agency, for significant improvements in offshore safety and environmental compliance. In March 2022, Angelle founded USAEnergyWorkers.com to elevate and celebrate those who fuel this great Nation.Heis available to make presentations and speeches to share his unique perspective with your organization or interested group. Send your request to info@angellepartners.com.