NOIA: Offshore wind lease sale establishes Gulf of Mexico as “premier” global energy region

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) concluded the first Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease sale:

“Today’s lease sale is a key moment in the continued growth of the Gulf of Mexico as a comprehensive and integrated energy hub. The Gulf is firmly established as a premier global offshore energy region, recognized for its low-carbon oil production, and today the region took a step to expand its energy portfolio.

“NOIA members have played a pivotal role in advancing both offshore oil and gas projects, as well as offshore wind ventures. Throughout the Gulf Coast region, you will find steel fabricators, offshore service vessels, heavy lift vessel operators, subsea construction companies, helicopter service providers and more who have built their experience in the oil and gas industry, but will be vital in building offshore wind. A generation of companies specializing in marine, oil, and gas services from Louisiana, Texas, and other Gulf Coastal areas have already begun applying their skills and experience to foster a new renewable American energy industry in offshore wind. They can expand their skills and expertise by participating in the construction and development of a wind project in their own backyard.

“According to BOEM, a single offshore wind project could support approximately 4,470 jobs and $445 million in GDP during construction and an ongoing 150 jobs and $14 million annually from operation and maintenance labor, materials, and services.

“As the Gulf of Mexico continues its evolution into a broad-based and integrated energy hub, encompassing segments such as oil and gas, wind, and with future prospects of carbon sequestration and hydrogen, the opportunity for the first offshore wind project will be a marker for the region."