Lafayette, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today met with representatives from across the oilfield service sector to discuss the Obama Administration’s moratorium on offshore energy production.

"This moratorium affects a wide range of jobs throughout Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana,” said Boustany. “From electricians and welders to helicopter pilots, boat crews and food service providers, the impact of the moratorium will be felt throughout our communities.  After two federal court decisions, the President continues to block American energy exploration and production, making us more reliant on foreign energy sources.  I appreciate hearing from workers in the oil service sector today.  I will continue to work to overturn the ban to help them and thousands of others in similar situations.”

Boustany met with contractors that build living quarters and fabricators as well as those who provide staffing, uniform and food service at PHI, Inc., a helicopter service provider.  Currently 33 offshore rigs remain idle in the Gulf.  Each rig employs between 800 and 1,200 workers directly, and according to an analysis by the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, each rig job creates four indirect jobs.

Today, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a new moratorium on offshore exploration and production, following two court decisions negating the moratorium.

Boustany met with Salazar last month to urge the Administration to lift the moratorium.  Following the meeting, a U.S. District Judge and a U.S. Court of Appeals issued decisions overturning the moratorium.  However, the Interior Department continues to stall approval of any applications, creating uncertainty for thousands of jobs throughout the Gulf Coast.

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