The offshore oil and natural gas industry is in a holding pattern of sorts today, waiting for the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to issue Notices to Lessees (NTL) that will provide information about offshore energy development. Announcements from MMS offices last week caused concern when at least two drilling permits were rescinded in shallow water after the president announced a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling.

According to information received by API, MMS could issue an NTL today specifying changes to equipment requirements in shallow water followed by additional NTLs on other aspects of offshore energy development. In the meantime, the industry is holding its breath and wondering about the impact on jobs.

The oil and natural gas industry supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs, and... more »

In today's episode, I interview Burt Adams, chairman of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), about the potential economic effects of the president's six-month deepwater drilling moratorium on coastal communities.

Use the audio player below to listen to information about the article and follow along with the show notes. I hope you find the podcast informative.

00:17 We've all been watching the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf for the last several days--the clean-up as well as the president's order to halt deepwater exploration wells and to delay drilling in the Gulf in areas where the water is more than 500 feet deep. But now questions are arising about the economic impact of the drilling delays and the cost to the energy workers and their families who li... more »