The U.S. Chamber this week called on the Obama Administration to lift its six-month moratorium on active deepwater drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico.  Imposed four weeks ago, the moratorium is already negatively impacting the local economy and thousands of American jobs.  The Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) estimates that 10,000 jobs could be lost this summer in Louisiana as a result of the Administration's six month moratorium and job losses could reach 20,000 in the next 12-18 months if the moratorium remains in place.

Regional businesses and chambers of commerce continue to call on the Administration to reconsider the moratorium.  At a recent meeting of regional chambers and other industry groups in Baton Rouge, Dan Juneau, President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, spoke to a TV reporter about the effects that the blanket moratorium is having on the region’s ability to grow, keep Americans working, and compete.

We will continue to urge the Administration to lift this moratorium while redoubling safety efforts.  Enabling safe and responsible exploration and production in the Gulf will ensure that our nation has the American energy, jobs, and growth needed to rebuild the Gulf region and ensure a competitive 21st century economy.

Read stories about Gulf workers affected by the moratorium.  Read more about the U.S. Chamber’s ongoing oil response activities.