ICYMI: When the Gulf of America is Open, America Thrives

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the American Press underscoring the importance that the Gulf of America plays in powering the nation's economy, supporting Louisiana jobs, and advancing President Trump's energy dominance agenda.

"What begins off the coast of Louisiana leads to economic growth across all 50 states, greater energy independence for our nation, and a steadfast commitment to freedom and prosperity for every American. That is my goal, and that is President Trump's goal," wrote Dr. Cassidy.

"Louisiana is ready to lead. The workers are here. The resources are here. Let's keep the Gulf of America open, keep the jobs coming, and continue powering the freedom and prosperity that define this great country,"concluded Dr. Cassidy.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

When the Gulf of America is Open, America Thrives

When the Gulf of America is open, America does better. Families have good jobs. Energy prices stay affordable. Restaurants fill up on Friday nights. Our country grows stronger. What begins off the coast of Louisiana leads to economic growth across all 50 states, greater energy independence for our nation, and a steadfast commitment to freedom and prosperity for every American. That is my goal, and that is President Trump's goal.

The energy produced in the Gulf of America powers Louisiana's economy. Oil and gas from the Gulf account for roughly 25% of our state's total economic output and support 15% of all jobs.

Offshore production sustains over 250,000 Louisiana workers - men and women whose paychecks help support schools, local small businesses, libraries, and mor. Each year, this industry contributes $4.5 billion in taxes and adds $2.1 billion to our state's overall economy.

The Gulf's importance stretches far beyond our state's borders. It provides nearly all of America's offshore oil and gas - about 14% of our total energy supply - and generated nearly $7 billion in federal revenue just last year. Energy flowing from the Gulf means reliable power for families and businesses all across the nation, and it's done with high safety and responsibility standards.

To maintain a strong flow of energy, federal agencies conduct routine reviews known as biological opinions, or BiOps. These reviews are meant to keep energy projects moving forward responsibly, while protecting key natural resources, and giving businesses and workers the certainty they need to invest and create jobs. For President Trump's energy dominance agenda to succeed, we need a BiOp that provides stability, fuels growth, and keeps America energy independent.

The current BiOp, developed on a rushed timeline under the Biden administration, relies on outdated data and speculative modeling. Reviews this important should be built on real, verifiable evidence, not guesswork. When the science is thin, the consequences are not: workers, communities, and our allies who depend on American energy pay the price. We need a BiOp anchored in current facts and rigorous methodology to avoid creating a false choice between conservation and energy security.

American natural gas allows European countries to rely less on Russia, which keeps markets strong and supports freedom around the world. Cutting back production here doesn't protect anyone; it just hands control to countries like China, Russia, and Venezuela.

That's why, in President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts bill, we've expanded Gulf lease sales for the next 15 years. Republicans promised to create jobs and restore Ameri- can energy dominance, and this is a clear step toward delivering on those promises. Alongside that, with the REPAIR Act - which I've introduced with Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo - we're working to stop frivolous lawsuits that bog down the permitting process, waste taxpayer dollars, and hurt American workers.

When the Gulf of America is open, everyone benefits - from the offshore worker in Houma to the family in Ohio paying less at the pump, to our allies overseas who rely on reliable, affordable American energy. Keeping the Gulf open fuels opportunity, prosperity, and freedom for all Americans. It keeps our country energy in- dependent and competitive on the world stage.

With President Trump's energy dominance agenda leading the way, we are expanding and securing America's energy future like never before. We can unlock even more of the Gulf's potential and keep Louisiana at the heart of this great success story.

Louisiana is ready to lead. The workers are here. The resources are here. Let's keep the Gulf of America open, keep the jobs coming, and continue powering the freedom and prosperity that define this great country.

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