New oil and gas plan could see more Alaskan offshore drilling – KTUU – KTUU.com

ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke have opened up a comment period for a new 5-year National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

The comment period will last for 45 days starting on July 3.

The development of a new plan for offshore drilling comes on the back of President Trumps Executive Order that rescinded President Obamas ban on Arctic drilling.

Developing a new National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program that respects environmental and economic sensitivities but still allows us to responsibly develop our resources is critical to reaching President Trumps goal of American energy dominance, said Secretary Zinke.

The current National OCS program schedules 11 potential lease sales with 10 in the Gulf of Mexico and one in Cook Inlet.

Under the last administration, 94% of the OCS was off-limits to responsible development, despite interest from state and local governments and industry leaders, said Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor.

Secretary Zinke said, Offering more areas for energy exploration and responsible development was a cornerstone of the Presidents campaign and this action is the first step in making good on that promise for offshore oil and gas.

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New oil and gas plan could see more Alaskan offshore drilling - KTUU - KTUU.com