Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition
About OCSGC
The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Governors Coalition is a group of coastal state governors who joined together in May 2011 to promote a constructive dialogue on OCS energy-resource planning and development between state and federal governments.
Tate Reeves
State of Mississippi (Chair)
Governor Jeff Landry
State of Louisiana
Governor Kay Ivey
State of Alabama
Governor Mike Dunleavy
State of Alaska
Governor Greg Abbott
State of Texas
Together with a simple mission
Mission
In May 2011, the OCS Governors Coalition came together with a simple mission:
- Improve communication between federal and state officials on OCS issues.
- Improve understanding of potential energy resources and opportunities adjacent to the various coastal states.
- Improve understanding of the impact those energy resources could have on local, state and federal revenues.
- Improved management and stewardship of coastal resources related to coastal and ocean activities.
As a unified force, the Governors work with an amplified voice to advance this mission and to influence a sensible path forward for the development of America’s offshore energy resources.
Policy Positions
Consistent and Efficient Permitting Regime
For operators on federal lands and waters, the average approval wait-time can be several times longer than the wait-time for a similar permit on private or state-owned land. Statistics show that the average approval time for a plan in the Gulf of Mexico was 110.6 days in July 2012, up from an historical average of 61 days. Even more so, operators off Alaska have experienced permit and plan approvals that can take years.
Expand Areas Available for Offshore Energy Development
According to the federal government, the U.S. OCS contains an estimated 89.87 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and 327.49 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, technically recoverable natural gas. Moreover, shallow areas in Atlantic, Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific have been identified as showing strong potential for offshore wind development.
Expand Revenue-Sharing for Interested States
Currently, offshore revenue-sharing as provided under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (2006) only extends to the four states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama) included in the original legislation.
Update OCS Resource Evaluation and Knowledge
In deciding whether to pursue offshore development off their coasts, states must have an up-to-date assessment of the potential resource base off their coasts. With many offshore areas closed to exploration, accurate estimates of oil and gas reserves in many areas do not exist.
Contact
Please fill out the inquiry form below and a coalition representative will be in touch with you within 1-2 business days. If you are representing a media outlet, please note your affiliation in the “organization” box.
