CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) is one of 300 member companies participating in the National Ocean Industry Association (NOIA), a trade association involved in developing offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner.

Two representatives from CSA (our Chief Operating Officer and our Energy Director) attended NOIA’s Fall Meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio from October 3 to 5. The meeting format included speaker presentations as well as panels of experts offering opportunities for discussion of domestic and international energy issues. The emphasis was on offshore topics including traditional oil and gas exploration and production activities as well as developing wind energy strategies and infrastructure.

 While the principal focus was on U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities, a special session was presented on Guyana and Brazil, with oil industry leaders providing perspective on these international opportunities.

The director of the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) was a key speaker who provided updates regarding the Well Control Rule that guides oil and gas drilling operations on the OCS and the new Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems Rule. BSEE provides details on regulatory reform on their website at https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/regulations/regulatory-reform.

Offshore facilities are crucial to oil production in the U.S., accounting for 20% of U.S. oil production. Of that 20%, the majority occurs in the Gulf of Mexico from 90 offshore operators. As the U.S. emerges as the world’s largest oil producer, the industry and the government each reiterated their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Offshore wind energy projects in the northeastern U.S., the North Sea, and the United Kingdom were highlighted, with technical discussions ranging from design and construction to regulations and permitting. The recent announcement from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior regarding wind energy development off the coast of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California suggest an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy is supported by the government and the offshore industry. For details on the approach to American energy, visit the U.S. Department of Interior website at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals.