This year, the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) is marking 40 years of commitment to America's offshore energy industry.

In 1972, 33 industry leaders joined together to form NOIA – a unique organization interested in expanding the federal offshore leasing program by promoting the safe and efficient development of outer continental shelf (OCS) lands.

Today, more than 275 companies have united in support of reliable access to offshore energy resources, forming a powerful coalition that achieves positive results in Washington, D.C. NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore energy industry, from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance and renewable energy.

NOIA effectively represents the interests of all facets of the offshore energy industry while focusing on two core issues:

• Securing reliable and fair access to the nation's valuable offshore energy resources in order that they may be developed, produced, and supplied safely and in an environmentally responsible manner
• Striving to improve the economic climate for NOIA members to conduct business in the U.S.

Over the years, NOIA has been successful in influencing the positive outcomes of important issues impacting our industry, including:

• 1995 Deepwater Royalty Relief Act
• 2003 lifting of the long-standing congressional exploration moratorium for Bristol Bay
• 2006 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), which allowed for exploration in new areas of the Gulf
• 2008 lifting of executive and congressional exploration moratoria for the East and West coasts.

NOIA's staff wields the combined clout of its member companies as it advocates before Congress and the Executive Branch, and influences industry-related policy decisions.

NOIA facilitates member access to regulatory and legislative processes, provides customized advice on policy issues, and works to favorably impact policy decisions relating to the offshore industry.

NOIA engages the media and the general public in a constructive dialogue on energy issues, showcasing the industry's technological pioneering and environmental performance.

NOIA hosts two of the largest annual gatherings of senior executives in the offshore oil and gas industry.

NOIA's Legislative Strategy Group facilitates the cooperative development of industry-wide strategies for effectively impacting legislative and regulatory decision-making.

NOIA promotes and supports outreach programs that educate the public about energy issues and help the nation make informed decisions concerning the use of energy, such as the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project.