Document VGkmOJOwvN3wZ2wEk97d3mzZZ

Message From: Sent: To: CC: Subject: Greg Southworth [greg@southworthconsulting.com] 8/4/2017 7:37:27 PM Forsgren, Lee [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=a055d7329d5b470fbaa9920celb68a7d-Forsgren, D] Timothy Charters [tcharters@noia.org]; Amy Emmert [emmerta@api.org]; evan@zimmerman-co.com; Connie Goers [CGoers@arenaoffshore.com] Thank You for the Discussion Mr. Forsgren - Thank you for meeting with OOC, API and NOIA by phone on August 3 concerning the renewal of the Western Gulf of Mexico Offshore General Permit. As we discussed, we will keep you informed about the results of our meeting with Region 6 next week. We have a positive working relationship with Region 6 and are looking forward to a productive meeting. We will also check back in with you as agreed toward the end of August. In the meantime, we also appreciate your commitment to watch the development of this issue carefully, and to let us know as soon as possible if there is a reason we should expect offshore oil and natural gas operations in Region 6 to be disrupted. As you can imagine, our companies remain very concerned about continued operations, especially new exploration and development projects that may be planned after the permit expiration date. As you know, continued development of offshore energy resources is an important part of progressing our nation towards energy dominance and providing American jobs. As discussed, we would like to offer some thoughts on a secondary plan to allow continued offshore development in the event the permit cannot be reissued before the current expiration date. One option for consideration would be to renew the permit for a shorter period of time (1-2 years) instead of the typical 5-year term. This would allow continuation of offshore operations and future development, while at the same time allowing comments and concerns to be addressed for permit renewal in the near future. EPA executed something similar in 1996 when the Western Gulf of Mexico Offshore General Permit was reissued for 1 year. In 1996, the General Permit expired on September 9,1996 and was renewed with an expiration date of November 18, 1997 (Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 155, August 9,1996). We are looking forward to continuing the discussion. Thanks again for your time and consideration. Greg Southworth Associate Director Offshore Operators Committee Ex. 6 i_____________________________________________ i greq@offshoreoperatore.com 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 206 Kenner, Louisiana 70062 www.theooc.us Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 1 ED 002061 00094625-00001