The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed air permits to allow construction on the Blue Marlin Offshore Port in the Gulf of America off the coast of Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
If finalized as proposed, the EPA said its actions will enable Blue Marlin to export around 80,000 barrels of crude oil per hour, resulting in around 605 million barrels per year.
"This project is not just about expanding infrastructure, it is about providing good-paying energy jobs and lowering prices at the pump by unleashing the full potential of American energy," said EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason. "If finalized as proposed, the Blue Marlin Deepwater Port will bring prosperity to not only the Gulf of America states but to Americans across the nation."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said there has been no greater champion for the energy industry than President Trump and his administration. "The Blue Marlin Offshore Port project demonstrates that there has been no better home for energy dominance than Louisiana," he said.
Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA-03) said Louisiana leads the world in advanced energy production and that Cameron Parish is at the forefront of American energy dominance.
After thorough review, the EPA is proposing two draft permits: a Prevention of Significant Deterioration preconstruction permit and a title V federal operating permit. The project will use vapor-capture technology, with a dedicated vapor collection system and vapor combustion units expected to ensure 99 percent vapor-capture efficiency.
The EPA will accept public comments for 30 days following publication of the proposal.