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WASHINGTON WATCH NOIA and next-generation exploration all rely on the engineer- ternational markets, reinforcing U.S. energy leadership and ing expertise, supply chains, and infrastructure developed providing allies with dependable, lower-carbon energy.

around traditional offshore energy. This synergy makes the The Gulf is also a proving ground for technology. AI-

Gulf a versatile energy hub capable of sustaining industrial driven operations, autonomous inspections, predictive leadership across multiple sectors for decades to come. maintenance, and advanced subsea robotics are becoming

The economic impact is substantial. In 2024, Gulf of standard. These innovations improve effciency, reduce en-

America oil and gas operations supported roughly 428,000 vironmental impacts, and set global benchmarks for off- jobs across the U.S., generated $35.9 billion in economic shore production. Predictable leasing and permitting are activity, and produced $7 billion in federal revenue. These essential to sustaining these technological advances.

positions span more than 200 occupations, from subsea Domestic supply chains and industrial capacity depend engineers to data analysts to welders, with wages averaging on consistent project pipelines. Fabrication yards, shipbuild- nearly 30% above the national average. ing, port operations, and specialized service providers require

Predictable offshore activity supports not only operators long-term project visibility to invest and expand. Regular but also thousands of additional workers in fabrication federal leasing ensures that this expertise remains in the U.S., yards, ports, service companies, and supply chains that de- maintaining American leadership in offshore energy.

pend on a steady fow of projects. Workforce development is equally critical. High-paying

The impact extends well beyond individual operators. offshore energy jobs support families and communities,

Consistent offshore activity sustains local suppliers, fabri- while apprenticeships and training programs prepare the cation yards, and service providers, supporting thousands next generation of engineers, technicians, and mariners. of additional jobs nationwide. When Gulf Coast com- Predictable leasing and permitting keep these workforce panies can rely on long-term projects enabled by federal pipelines robust, supporting generational career growth, lease sales, they are able to invest in advanced technology, regional resilience, and sustained industry leadership.

workforce training, and infrastructure, strengthening the Production coming online today refects decisions made region’s energy cluster and keeping it globally competitive. years ago. Wood Mackenzie estimates that long-planned

This chain reaction ensures the Gulf of America remains deepwater projects will add 300,000 barrels per day in the cornerstone of America’s offshore energy industry, de- 2025 and another 250,000 in 2026. These volumes are livering lasting benefts to communities, families, and local vital to offset onshore declines and reinforce U.S. energy economies for generations. security. None of this happens without consistent lease

The 24-month leasing gap underscored just how disrup- sales and permitting clarity.

tive unpredictability can be. Delayed projects, frozen capi- With the December 10 lease sale and the 29 additional tal, and workforce reductions highlighted the importance sales mandated under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Gulf of consistent federal leasing. With the December 10 sale, of America is poised to continue anchoring the U.S. off- and the potential for the next Gulf of America lease sale in shore energy economy. Momentum built in 2025 can ex-

March 2026, the industry is poised to regain momentum tend into 2026 and beyond, especially with SPEED Act and maintain it for years to come. reforms in place. Companies and workers will have the

Permitting certainty is the next frontier. The bipartisan confdence to invest, innovate, and compete globally.

Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic De- The Gulf of America demonstrates how strategic energy velopment (SPEED) Act promises transparent processes, policy, technical expertise, and a skilled workforce com- clear timelines, and litigation reform. With predictable bine to deliver secure, affordable, and reliable energy while permitting, companies can commit capital, retain skilled supporting high-paying jobs, strengthening industrial ca- workers, and deploy new technologies with confdence. pacity, and driving long-term economic growth. Predict-

Combined with regular lease sales, the SPEED Act would able leases and permitting keep investment in America, the ensure long-term stability, continued innovation, and ex- workforce employed, and the nation energy secure.

panded economic impact across the Gulf. The time for sustained policy, regular leasing, and per-

Global energy demand is accelerating. Population growth, mitting certainty is here. With the Gulf of America ready electrifcation, AI-driven data centers, and industrial expan- to propel U.S. energy forward, America can embrace en- sion all require secure, reliable, and affordable energy. Gulf ergy dominance, economic growth, and a resilient offshore offshore projects meet domestic needs while supporting in- workforce for decades to come.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 19