Cassidy Comments on Interior Department Release of Revenue Sharing Rules

Press Release

Today, Congressman Bill Cassidy commented on the release of a proposed revenue sharing rule by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It has been over 7 years since Congress passed GOMESA in 2006. The lack of clarity on the Phase II implementation of GOMESA has impeded the ability of Gulf states and eligible coastal political subdivisions to conduct and achieve the planning efforts needed to maximize coastal protection.

On June 27, 2013, Dr. Cassidy successfully amended the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act to require the Interior Department to release this rule as soon as possible. The Offshore Energy and Jobs Act passed the House. The legislation also included another Cassidy amendment increasing the share of offshore energy revenues to Louisiana for coastal restoration. He has since pushed the Interior Department to issue their rule on revenue sharing, and he released the following statement:

"I am glad that the Department of the Interior has responded to my call to issue this rule and I will review the proposed regulation to assess its impact on the disbursement of revenue to Louisiana.

"Additionally, on June 27, 2013, I passed two amendments to the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, one to require Interior to issue this rule and the second to increase Louisiana's share of offshore oil and gas revenue. America needs greater access and certainty to offshore energy production. I hope the U.S. Senate will join my efforts in expanding offshore drilling and revenue sharing for Louisiana."

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