Oil Industry Opposed to Limits on Environmental Waivers
The oil industry is pushing back against new restrictions on environmental waivers for offshore oil and natural gas projects.
In a statement, American Petroleum Institute Upstream Director Erik Milito said Interior Department’s decision to limit the use of s0-called “categorical exclusions,” a type of environmental waiver, could slow down the process for permitting offshore projects.
According to the statement:
“„We’re concerned the change could add significantly to the department’s workload, stretching the timeline for approval of important energy development projects with no clear return in environmental protection. Environmental review of offshore operations under existing rules is extensive, and decisions on categorical exclusions, which are intended to avoid repetitive analysis, require review.
“„We’re in favor of targeted changes to regulations that enhance safety and environmental protection, provided the changes allow for the efficient moving forward of energy development and job creation.
