Senator Scott Statement on Obama Offshore Energy Plan

Washington - U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement after the Obama Administration today proposed a 2017-2022 draft Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing plan that includes offshore South Carolina and other Atlantic states:   “President Obama’s draft is a very small step forward for an administration that has done so much to harm America’s energy production," Senator Scott said. "It includes only one lease sale for the mid and south Atlantic region and a record setting low number of lease sales for a five-year plan. This simply is not a robust plan that embraces expanding America’s energy production to new areas to create jobs, grow our economy and insulate America from foreign oil produced by dangerous countries. Today’s proposal is a much delayed and tepid start to a process that I hope will include more access and lease sales to allow Atlantic states like South Carolina the opportunity for economic empowerment that offshore energy production provides.”   According to a study, opening the Atlantic to energy production could create 280,000 jobs, add $24 billion to the economy, generate $51 billion in government revenue, and help produce over 1 million barrels of oil and natural gas per day.   Sen. Scott recently submitted an amendment regarding offshore energy to the Keystone pipeline bill currently being debated by the Senate. Scott’s amendment would: Reverse the Obama administration’s moratorium on offshore Atlantic energy production and creates one single “South Atlantic” offshore energy planning area, comprised of South Carolina, North Carolina Georgia, and Virginia. Opening the Atlantic to energy production could create 280,000 jobs, add $24 billion to the economy, generate $51 billion in government revenue, and help produce over 1 million barrels of oil and natural gas per day. Help strengthen America’s national security interests by reducing dependence on dangerous countries for energy while increasing America’s energy independence by requiring new offshore lease sales. Provide flexibility to States in the South Atlantic Planning area by providing the states more control over offshore areas closest to their shoreline to help protect coastal sightlines by allowing the prohibition of permanently visible drilling infrastructure up to 20 miles from the shoreline. Establish revenue sharing, which allows states within the South Atlantic planning area to receive 37.5% of all revenues from energy production, which is consistent with the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. Dedicate 12.5% of new federal revenue to deficit reduction.