What are some of the benefits Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas provides to our Nation?
A32: The OCS is a significant source of oil and gas for the Nations energy supply. On a per day basis, the OCS currently produces about 1.3 million barrels of oil and almost 8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. This represents approximately 27 percent of domestic oil production and 15 percent of natural gas production. Additionally, the MMS is developing a program to produce electricity from alternative energy resources on the OCS. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Secretary, acting through MMS, has established a program to develop renewable energy resources on the OCS. Secretary Salazars announcement stressed the importance of an offshore energy plan that includes conventional and renewable energy resources. The Department will issue a final rule for renewable offshore energy in the coming months.
