Trump orders offshore review
Wind included in plans to probe oil and gas opportunities
The Executive Order Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy directs the Interior Department to review restrictive oil and gas drilling policies for the outer-continental shelf, offshore wind development, current regulations and the Obama administration’s actions.
“Today we’re unleashing American energy and clearing the way for thousands and thousands of high-paying American energy jobs,” said Trump.
“Our country is blessed with incredible natural resources, including abundant offshore oil and natural gas reserves,” he said.
“But the federal government has kept 94% of these offshore areas closed for exploration and production.”
The review will look mainly at oil and natural gas production however it will also include offshore wind development, interior secretary Ryan Zinke told reporters on Thursday.
Zinke said east coast lawmakers are keen to promote offshore wind and he is “optimistic” about its future.