American Petroleum Institute dissatisfied with statement on seismic surveying in Gulf of Mexico

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently issued a statement expressing disappointment in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on seismic surveying in the Gulf of Mexico.

“While we appreciate BOEM moving forward in this process, today’s decision is based on a flawed interpretation of scientific data,” API Senior Offshore Policy Advisor Andy Radford said. “It also disregards the fact that the natural gas and oil industry has been conducting safe, effective seismic research in the Gulf of Mexico for decades with effective mitigation measures that provide strong protections to marine life. We urge BOEM to consider these important facts as this process continues.”

API previously submitted comments on BOEM’s Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
along with the International Association of Geophysical Contractors, the National Ocean Industries Association and the Offshore Operators Committee.

“Our industry remains committed to improving the scientific understanding of the impacts of our operations on marine life,” Radford said. “Seismic surveying in the Gulf of Mexico is a critical part of safe offshore energy development that is necessary if we are to continue to harness our nation’s energy potential for the benefit of American energy consumers.”