The Energy Workforce & Technology Council on Tuesday released a statement applauding the Trump Administration's release of the revised Gulf of America Biological Opinion (BiOp) that ensures regulatory certainty and continuity for offshore oil and gas operations.

The new BiOp corrects the misguided vacatur of the 2020 opinion, which threatened to abruptly halt critical oil and gas activity in the Gulf of America. By reinstating a clear and science-based framework, the updated opinion ensures that offshore development can move forward without the unnecessary possibility of disruption.

"The release of this updated Biological Opinion is a major step forward for American energy security," said Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley. "This action ensures that Gulf operators can continue producing reliable, affordable energy under a stable regulatory framework. It protects American jobs, strengthens national security, and reinforces the strategic importance of the Gulf of America in our energy portfolio."

The Gulf of America/Gulf of Mexico is responsible for nearly 15% of total U.S. crude oil production. Currently, it supports an estimated 362,000 jobs in the United States, contributing an estimated $30.8 billion to the U.S. GDP. The Department of Interior's quick action to bring clarity to this process will help safeguard that economic engine and provide much-needed certainty to industry stakeholders.

"We commend the Administration for recognizing the urgency of this issue and delivering a timely, workable solution," Tarpley continued. "This decision not only reinforces environmental protections, but also provides the predictability needed for continued investment and growth in the offshore energy sector."