House Concurrent Resolution 39

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONTINUATION OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LEASING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE GULF OF MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the oil and natural gas industry has historically provided thousands of high-paying jobs for Mississippians working in production or transportation of oil and natural gas, generated millions of dollars in government revenue annually to state and local programs, and lessened America's dependence on imported oil; and

WHEREAS, recent actions, taken federally, directed a pause on offshore oil and natural gas leasing along with stopping pipeline development; and

WHEREAS, projections show an extended leasing ban would greatly diminish investment and activity in the Gulf of Mexico production and result in substantial, irreplaceable job losses and loss of revenue to the state and its communities; and

WHEREAS, an Obama Administration report from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management analyzing the effects of offshore leasing restrictions found that United States greenhouse gas emissions would be little affected and could increase slightly in the absence of new offshore leasing due to increased foreign imports; and

WHEREAS, pipeline transportation is more consumer-friendly and with lower emissions than other sources of transportation; and

WHEREAS, because projections show energy demand will continue to rise, restricting development on federal lands and waters is nothing more than an "import more oil" policy where the United States is forced to rely on imports from sometimes hostile foreign countries with lower environmental standards; and

WHEREAS, restricting pipeline development results in higher costs to consumers and higher transportation emissions; and

WHEREAS, broad and predictable access to offshore oil and natural gas resources will help support and grow more jobs and activity in Mississippi and the Gulf region, reduce America's reliance on overseas imports, and increase revenues to the state and its localities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we respectfully urge the administration of President Biden to bring a quick end to its pause on offshore oil and natural gas leasing and allow for the continued exploration, development, and production of the Gulf of Mexico's oil and natural gas resources while supporting ongoing development of America's superior pipeline transportation network to the benefit of American consumers and American workers, and to allow the inherent economic benefits to be fully realized.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to any member of President Biden's cabinet and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.