Oil Exploration Permit Delays Hinder Jobs Growth

The United States could produce five times the amount of oil recently released from U.S. oil reserves if the Obama administration would hasten the permitting process for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, according to an IHS Global Insight report published July 21.

By fully returning to permitting levels achieved prior to the BP Deepwater Horizon accident, the nation could add 230,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2012, IHS reports. This includes everything from "shipbuilders in Maine to software developers in Silicon Valley," which provide goods and services to the industry, Jim Diffley , IHS Global Insight's managing director of U.S. regional economics, told reporters during a conference call.

Action to reduce the growing backlog of plans and permit approvals could could add 150 million barrels of oil by 2012 and $44 billion to U.S. gross domestic product growth, states the report, entitled "Restarting 'the Engine' Securing American Jobs, Investment and Energy Security."

Since the Obama administration lifted the moratorium in October on deepwater drilling, regulatory approvals for drilling plans have declined by 86% from pre-moratorium levels, the study's authors say.

The number of pending exploration and development plans that have been submitted for government approval has increased nearly 90% from previous levels. At the same time, the median approval time has increased to 131 days from 36 days in past years, and the number of permits issued have declined by 60%, according to IHS.

There has been a 250% increase in the backlog of deepwater plans pending approval during the same period.