National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) said that U.S. territories need the Offshore Wind for Territories Act.
The U.S. has five permanently inhabited 'Territories' in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands which are directly overseen by the United States Federal Government.
NOIA President Randall Luthi issued this statement: “The House passage of H.R. 6665 is welcome news for many Americans this holiday season. Too often, Americans in the U.S. territories are our forgotten citizens."
The Offshore Wind for Territories Act empowers U.S. territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico to tap their offshore resources and strengthen their energy security, all while providing jobs and economic growth for hardworking Americans, he said.
“NOIA supports the inclusion of U.S. territories in OCSLA by this bill and by the recent recommendations by the Royalty Policy Committee. As the 115th Congress draws to an end, it is imperative that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources follow the leadership of Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) and pass this bill in a timely manner.” he added.
NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf.