National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement on Thursday as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) heads to U.S. President Trump’s desk for signature:
“This is a major milestone for the Gulf of America,” Milito said. “With President Trump’s signature, OBBBA will restore certainty to the offshore oil and gas leasing process, bringing back the predictability that unlocks investment, protects affordable energy, and strengthens our national security.
“Energy security is national security. And energy affordability impacts every American household. When Gulf of America lease sales disappear, so do the jobs, investment, and energy production that lift communities from Louisiana to Pennsylvania and across all 50 states. The Gulf of America provisions in OBBBA reverse that trend, creating the stability needed to support long-term growth.
“These provisions reestablish a dependable offshore leasing program that drives economic activity, supports critical U.S. supply chains, sustains good-paying jobs nationwide, and delivers meaningful funding for conservation and coastal resilience. A strong Gulf of America means a stronger economy and a more secure energy future for the entire nation.
“At the same time, work remains to ensure business certainty and predictability to power America. Recent changes to the tax code continue to create unnecessary headwinds for offshore wind and for the shipbuilders, ports, and manufacturers that support it. Offshore wind is part of the solution to surging power demand and to our global competitiveness with China. NOIA will keep working with both parties to build support for stronger tax certainty and to advance lasting, broad-based permitting reform. Tackling these issues will benefit the full breadth of the American economy.
“With OBBBA becoming law, we have a strong foundation for continued Gulf of America energy leadership.”
President Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday, July 4, sources say.
