Press Release: 5/21/2025
API Welcomes Action Averting Possible Shutdown of the Gulf of America
202.682.8114 | press@api.org
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 — The American Petroleum Institute today welcomed the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service’s release of a new biological opinion for the Gulf of America ahead of the court-ordered deadline, thereby avoiding significant and immediate consequences for American energy security.
“With a new biological opinion in place, the administration has helped ensure that the Gulf of America will remain the backbone of our nation’s energy supply,” API VP of Upstream Policy Holly Hopkins said. “While we appreciate the administration's prompt action, they inherited flawed analysis under a short timeline. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Departments of Commerce and Interior to improve the biological opinion and ensure it reflects the best available science and data.”
Last year, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland vacated the NMFS 2020 Biological Opinion for Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas activities effective May 21, 2025. The biological opinion provides a necessary foundation for oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf of America, and a gap between opinions would significantly slow down or halt all permits for routine, daily operations.
In addition to generating 14% of U.S. crude oil production, the Gulf Coast is the heart of America’s vast network of energy infrastructure that connects our economy. From pipelines and storage facilities to major ports and refineries, this critical infrastructure is essential for energy access across the United States.
API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.