The Grind:
During a segment on ‘Fox & Friends First’, Chicago-based JKC Trucking VP Mike Kucharski, mother of three Jamaica Bonvillian, and Black Market BBQ food truck owner Jon German gathered to discuss the exclusive report about the Biden administration’s new restrictions on oil and gas companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico. This move, allegedly intended to protect the Rice’s whale, an endangered species, has sparked concerns about its impact on the economy and energy production.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), responsible for energy development in federal waters, issued a Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) aimed at safeguarding the Rice’s whale. Critics, including National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito, argue that these measures bypass legal requirements and public processes, needlessly hampering U.S. energy production during a period of economic inflation and rising fuel costs for consumers.
The Details:
Milito expressed concerns about the NTL and its broader implications, emphasizing its potential negative impact on job opportunities and the nation’s energy independence. He contended that the Biden administration’s approach dismisses scientific evidence and disproportionately targets the domestic offshore oil and gas industry.
As gas prices continue to soar under the Biden administration, with the average price exceeding $3.85 per gallon, the decision to limit oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico raises further concerns about energy availability and affordability for American consumers.
The NTL introduces several conditions for industry operators, including the presence of specially-trained visual observers on vessels, speed restrictions, and limitations on nighttime travel. Lease Sale 261, a forthcoming offshore oil and gas lease auction, will implement these stipulations, while also excluding around 11 million acres of potential oil-rich lease blocks.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) and other industry experts argue that the restrictions unjustly target the oil and gas sector and could lead to higher energy costs and decreased national security. Holly Hopkins, API’s vice president of upstream policy, criticized the Biden administration for imposing burdensome regulations based on insufficient data and operational experience. Hopkins highlighted the unique challenges faced by workers in the Gulf region and the disproportionate focus on the oil and gas industry.
Critics of the Biden administration’s decision claim that it overlooks the broader maritime industry while disproportionately affecting oil and gas operations. As energy security and economic concerns continue to mount, voices within the conservative perspective emphasize the importance of responsible and balanced policies to ensure a stable energy supply and safeguard the American economy.