US to Offer Gulf of Mexico Areas for Oil, Gas Exploration

US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Abigail Hopper said that as an important component of the US energy portfolio, the Gulf of Mexico holds vast energy resources that can continue to spur economic opportunities for Gulf producing states as well as further reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Obama administration intends to offer about 45 million acres, or more than 182,000 square kilometers, in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas development during two lease sales in March, US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Abigail Hopper said in a press release on Thursday.

"As an important component of the US energy portfolio, the Gulf of Mexico holds vast energy resources that can continue to spur economic opportunities for Gulf producing states as well as further reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil," Hopper stated.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has argued the decision to sell the exploration areas was reached after conducting extensive environmental analysis, which factored in public comments.

"These Gulf of Mexico lease sales reflect this administration's commitment to facilitate the orderly development of offshore energy resources while protecting the human, marine and coastal environments, and ensuring a fair return to American taxpayers," Hopper noted.

The area lease sales are scheduled to take place on March 23 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two offshore sales in March are the ninth and tenth ones under the Obama administration’s Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017.