GEST Encourages Interior to Recognize Importance of Domestic Energy Production

BATON ROUGE, LA (March 9, 2021) – Gulf Economic Survival Team (GEST) made the following statements in response to the U.S. Department of Interior’s announcement on a virtual forum to engage stakeholders as part of the comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas program called for in Executive Order 14008.

“The oil and natural gas industry shares in the Biden Administration’s goals for a better economy, cleaner environment and a commitment to progress toward climate goals,” said Lori LeBlanc, GEST Executive Director. “The best way to manage our nation’s natural resources is to recognize that offshore energy development generates thousands of jobs and millions in funding for coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects throughout the Gulf Coast.”

“The Gulf of Mexico is one of the lowest carbon intensive producing regions in the world, and without domestic energy production America will increase its reliance on less reliable foreign oil, shifting our jobs and revenues overseas. Right now, we need policies and programs that support collaborative solutions to promote our economic recovery, protect our energy jobs, and our environment.”