Letter from the US: offshore gets that sinking feeling
Low-carbon ambitions could jeopardise national energy security if drilling moratorium proves permanent
Advocates for the US oil and gas sector are mulling the impact of a pause in drilling permits from President Joe Biden. Much of the conversation about US energy revolves around the handful of inland shale basins that account for more than 70pc of oil production. But legacy offshore output could also be adversely affected if the ban is extended. “Continued offshore oil and gas leasing and production is critical to maintaining affordable supplies of energy for all walks of life and for advancing our national security,” says Erik Milito, president of offshore body the National Ocean Industries Association. Milito was speaking at a virtual forum hosted by the Interior Department to vet the pause
Also in this section
25 July 2025
KRG, Iraq’s central government and Turkey are all working to get exports flowing from the key port, but complications remain
25 July 2025
Mozambique’s insurgency continues, but the security situation near the LNG site has significantly improved, with TotalEnergies aiming to lift its force majeure within months
25 July 2025
There is a bifurcation in the global oil market as China’s stockpiling contrasts with reduced inventories elsewhere
24 July 2025
The reaction to proposed sanctions on Russian oil buyers has been muted, suggesting trader fatigue with Trump’s frequent bold and erratic threats
