WASHINGTON, May 7, 2014 – API objected to unnecessary restrictions on seismic surveys in comments submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on the agency’s final programmatic environmental impact statement for proposed surveys in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

“Seismic surveys are safe, highly regulated, and an essential step for exploring for oil and natural gas offshore,” said Erik Milito, API director of upstream and industry operations. “We support BOEM’s plan to authorize seismic surveys to explore the Atlantic OCS but have serious concerns about the restrictions proposed.

“Alternative B, which BOEM currently favors, places arbitrary and unnecessary restrictions on exploration. The only basis for these restrictions is a fundamentally flawed projection of animal impacts that BOEM itself says is totally unrealistic. In its current state, this alternative could discourage investment in essential data gathering efforts. BOEM should either drop Alternative B or make substantial improvements to it.”

“The government’s analysis should be based on real-world observations from many decades of research and experience. The best science and research, including the Interior Department’s own studies, show that seismic surveys have little-to-no effect on marine mammal populations.

“We fully support the use of existing measures that are proven to protect marine life during survey operations, and BOEM’s Alternative A presents the option that is most supported by the best available science."

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.