 "Gov. Perry Renews Call for More Offshore Energy Development, Consistent Federal Regulation")
Source: Office of Governor Rick Perry
Gov. Rick Perry today renewed his call for more offshore energy development and consistent federal regulations in order to help our nation reach its goal of energy independence. The governor spoke at the 2013 Offshore Technology Conference as part of a panel of coastal governors.
“Today, energy exploration in the Gulf is safer for our operators and our environment than ever before. Technological and procedural advances have opened up huge sources of energy, giving us the capability to reach vast stores of energy reserves previously thought untouchable,” Gov. Perry said. “With every step forward, we move closer to the day when our nation can reach true energy independence and end our crippling dependence upon foreign regimes to meet our needs.”
The governor noted that despite lifting the 2010 federal drilling moratorium, production in the Gulf of Mexico remains down 18 percent, with only 15 percent of U.S. territorial waters available for development. Increased production in recent years is attributable to technological advances and drilling on private land, while production on federal lands and waters has decreased.
The governor also highlighted the importance of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes both traditional and renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and biomass. Texas continues to be a leader in wind generation capacity, with 12,214 megawatts of installed wind capacity – more than all but five other countries, and more than double that of its next closest competitor, California.