The federal government has began issuing deepwater drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico. Only two have been given since the fatal explosion onboard the Deepwater Horizon that claimed the lives of 11 maritime workers on April 20, 2010. Noble Energy was given the green light to resume its deepwater drilling project, along with BHP Billiton.
Noble Energy was the first to have its deepwater drilling project approved by federal regulators since the Obama administration lifted the moratorium put in place due to last years Gulf oil spill. BHP Billiton later followed suit.
“The permit represents a significant milestone for us and for the offshore oil and gas industry, and it is an important step towards safely developing deepwater energy supplies offshore,” said Michael Bromwich, head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE).
However, offshore advocates remain doubtful that the federal government’s move would result in a flood of permits being issued.
Noble Energy's permit will allow the company to drill a bypass well in its Santiago prospect. The project is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana. The original project began four days prior to the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
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Category: Offshore Oil Rig Accident
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