Vitter introduces pro-small business, Rigs to Reef expansion amendments to Energy Policy Modernization Act

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) recently introduced to amendments to the Energy Policy Modernization Act as the Senate debates the bipartisan bill and its provisions in the lead up to a final vote.

“Louisiana is obviously a leader in energy, and it’s encouraging that we’re moving forward with a bipartisan energy bill to help our vital industry flourish without the burdensome federal government on their backs,” Vitter said. “One of my amendments — the Well Control Rule — would make sure that the government does not regulate small energy firms out of business while also pursuing the highest levels of safety.”

Through that amendment, the bill would require the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy to evaluate the act after one year to determine its impacts on small oil and gas firms. Vitter’s other amendment would create new planning areas for the Rigs to Reef program and streamline the review process.

“My second amendment would expand upon the decades of success that the Rigs to Reefs program has enjoyed in the Gulf so that our fisheries and anglers alike can continue benefiting from these unexpected, and now indispensable, marine habitats,” Vitter said.