NEW ORLEANS – Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Director Scott Angelle urged some 200 oil and gas industry representatives to embrace the energy development opportunities that exist in deepwater Gulf of Mexico during his plenary remarks Tuesday at the Deepwater Technical Symposium in New Orleans.
“BSEE is transitioning from an era of isolation to cooperation, from creating hardships to creating partnerships,” Angelle proclaimed to a packed ballroom. “BSEE is ready to make it happen and move forward.”
“Strengthening energy production in the Gulf of Mexico is critical for economic, energy and national security,” Angelle explained. “With billions of barrels still untapped in the Gulf of Mexico, the opportunities for discovery abound.”
Currently, 82% of oil production from the Outer Continental Shelf comes from deepwater, water depths greater than 1,000 ft. Ten years ago, deepwater production accounted for 70% of OCS oil production. Twenty years ago, deepwater production accounted for 26% of OCS oil production.
“BSEE is working with all stakeholders to overcome technology and regulatory challenges and to ensure that offshore operations are safe and environmentally-sustainable.” Angelle said.
Currently, there are approximately 36 deepwater projects and prospects operated by 13 companies in the Gulf of Mexico, including drilling and workover activities.
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