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
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
