Page 23: of Marine News Magazine (January 2026)

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Washington Watch

NOIA jobs across the U.S., generated $35.9 billion in economic driven operations, autonomous inspections, predictive activity, and produced $7 billion in federal revenue. These maintenance, and advanced subsea robotics are becoming positions span more than 200 occupations, from subsea standard. These innovations improve ef? ciency, reduce en- engineers to data analysts to welders, with wages averaging vironmental impacts, and set global benchmarks for off- nearly 30% above the national average. shore production. Predictable leasing and permitting are

Predictable offshore activity supports not only operators essential to sustaining these technological advances.

but also thousands of additional workers in fabrication Domestic supply chains and industrial capacity depend yards, ports, service companies, and supply chains that de- on consistent project pipelines. Fabrication yards, shipbuild- pend on a steady ? ow of projects. ing, port operations, and specialized service providers require

The impact extends well beyond individual operators. long-term project visibility to invest and expand. Regular

Consistent offshore activity sustains local suppliers, fabri- federal leasing ensures that this expertise remains in the U.S., cation yards, and service providers, supporting thousands maintaining American leadership in offshore energy.

of additional jobs nationwide. When Gulf Coast com- Workforce development is equally critical. High-paying panies can rely on long-term projects enabled by federal offshore energy jobs support families and communities, lease sales, they are able to invest in advanced technology, while apprenticeships and training programs prepare the workforce training, and infrastructure, strengthening the next generation of engineers, technicians, and mariners. region’s energy cluster and keeping it globally competitive. Predictable leasing and permitting keep these workforce

This chain reaction ensures the Gulf of America remains pipelines robust, supporting generational career growth, the cornerstone of America’s offshore energy industry, de- regional resilience, and sustained industry leadership.

livering lasting bene? ts to communities, families, and local Production coming online today re? ects decisions made economies for generations. years ago. Wood Mackenzie estimates that long-planned

The 24-month leasing gap underscored just how disrup- deepwater projects will add 300,000 barrels per day in tive unpredictability can be. Delayed projects, frozen capi- 2025 and another 250,000 in 2026. These volumes are tal, and workforce reductions highlighted the importance vital to offset onshore declines and reinforce U.S. energy of consistent federal leasing. With the December 10 sale, security. None of this happens without consistent lease and the potential for the next Gulf of America lease sale in sales and permitting clarity.

March 2026, the industry is poised to regain momentum With the December 10 lease sale and the 29 additional and maintain it for years to come. sales mandated under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Gulf

Permitting certainty is the next frontier. The bipartisan of America is poised to continue anchoring the U.S. off-

Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic De- shore energy economy. Momentum built in 2025 can ex- velopment (SPEED) Act promises transparent processes, tend into 2026 and beyond, especially with SPEED Act clear timelines, and litigation reform. With predictable reforms in place. Companies and workers will have the permitting, companies can commit capital, retain skilled con? dence to invest, innovate, and compete globally.

workers, and deploy new technologies with con? dence. The Gulf of America demonstrates how strategic energy

Combined with regular lease sales, the SPEED Act would policy, technical expertise, and a skilled workforce com- ensure long-term stability, continued innovation, and ex- bine to deliver secure, affordable, and reliable energy while panded economic impact across the Gulf. supporting high-paying jobs, strengthening industrial ca-

Global energy demand is accelerating. Population pacity, and driving long-term economic growth. Predict- growth, electri? cation, AI-driven data centers, and indus- able leases and permitting keep investment in America, the trial expansion all require secure, reliable, and affordable workforce employed, and the nation energy secure.

energy. Gulf offshore projects meet domestic needs while The time for sustained policy, regular leasing, and per- supporting international markets, reinforcing U.S. energy mitting certainty is here. With the Gulf of America ready leadership and providing allies with dependable, lower- to propel U.S. energy forward, America can embrace en- carbon energy. ergy dominance, economic growth, and a resilient offshore

The Gulf is also a proving ground for technology. AI- workforce for decades to come.

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