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Sessions Introduces Amendment to Boost Production of American Energy
Sessions’ amendment stands as one of few provisions under consideration that would guarantee new production of American energy. The underlying bill, which would impose new government regulations on energy markets, would do nothing to increase domestic production or promote energy independence.
“We have an energy crisis in this country, and we need to pursue every avenue that leads to energy independence and lower prices for consumers,” Sessions said. “That includes more conservation, transitioning to alternative fuels, and producing more American energy here at home.”
The amendment would open a rectangular stretch of land, referred to as the stovepipe, that runs from approximately 25 to 100 miles due south of Alabama’s Gulf coast. The Mineral Management Service estimates the area contains 180 million barrels of oil and 1.42 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The stovepipe is highly regarded by energy experts because its relatively shallow waters and close proximity to existing pipelines limit the need for new infrastructure, allowing production to come online more quickly than in some deepwater areas.
“Our dependence on foreign oil is a drain on American wealth that must stop. We know from experience that we can produce more oil and gas here at home in an environmentally safe manner,” Sessions said. “The only thing stopping us is an outdated congressional moratorium on Outer Continental Shelf production, which my amendment would lift from a key area in the Gulf of Mexico.”
New drilling technology makes it possible to produce offshore energy safely. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita moved through an area of the Gulf of Mexico that was home to more than 4,000 offshore rigs. Following the storms, Department of Interior Secretary Gale Norton reported that “Despite such intense winds and powerful waves offshore, we experienced no . . . significant spills from any offshore well on the outer continental shelf.”
Sessions’ amendment includes a state revenue-sharing provision that would direct millions to coastal states that support OCS energy production. Under the amendment, 37.5 percent of royalties generated by the federal leases would be directed to Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, 12.5 percent of revenues would be invested in the Land and Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the remainder would be sent to the U.S. Treasury.
It is unclear if the amendment will receive a vote in the Senate due to the Majority Leader’s use of procedural maneuvers aimed at limiting the number of votes on important amendments.
“It is clear at this point that the Democratic leadership would like to leave for the August break without taking a vote on energy-producing legislation.” Sessions said. “Our soldiers are fighting overseas seven days a week without the luxury of an August recess. The Senate should stay here until we can pass legislation that will decrease our dependence on foreign oil and have a positive effect on prices for consumers.”
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