Search Results for keywords:"Bureau of Ocean Energy Management"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as requested by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has issued regulations to allow the oil and gas industry to unintentionally take marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years. This means that companies can get special permissions to conduct surveys that might disturb marine mammals, as long as they follow guidelines to minimize the impact on these animals and their habitats. This includes using monitoring and reporting methods to ensure compliance with the rules, and taking measures like stopping activities to avoid harming the animals. These regulations aim to balance industrial activities with the protection of marine life.

The Coast Guard has established 55 temporary safety zones around the construction of wind energy facilities for the Empire Wind 1 project, located offshore from Long Island, New York. These zones, each extending 500 meters from the facility's center point, aim to protect life, property, and the environment during construction, which may begin as early as March 2025 and continue through February 2028. During enforcement, only authorized vessels are allowed within these safety zones, and mariners will be notified of enforcement periods through various communication channels. This action was implemented following regulatory processes and public comments, focusing solely on safety rather than the wind energy projects themselves.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Record of Decision regarding the proposed oil and gas Lease Sale 257 in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision highlights BOEM's preferred plan, known as Alternative A, which would allow leasing of most unleased areas in the Gulf, except for certain protected zones and areas with ongoing legal issues. The lease sale is expected to cover approximately 79.7 million acres, potentially yielding up to 1.118 billion barrels of oil and 4.424 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, BOEM has adopted various environmental and operational stipulations to protect sensitive underwater features and ensure responsible development.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 in Alaska's Cook Inlet. This document is now open for public review and comment until March 1, 2021, with virtual public hearings scheduled for February 2021. The Draft EIS explores potential environmental impacts of the lease sale and considers alternatives to the proposal, focusing on protecting local wildlife and important ecological areas. Public feedback can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a final rule that updates the maximum daily civil penalties for violations related to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA). These updates adjust for inflation, applying a 2025 multiplier set at 1.02598, which reflects inflation from October 2023 through October 2024. The adjusted penalties now stand at $55,764 for OCSLA and $59,114 for OPA violations. These changes, effective January 13, 2025, ensure BOEM penalties maintain their deterrent effect and comply with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. The adjustments are automatic and exempt from the usual rulemaking procedures like public commentary.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the Interior Department, has announced the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed wind energy project by Deepwater South Fork LLC. This project involves the construction and operation of up to 15 wind turbines and an export cable connecting the facility to Long Island's electric grid. The public is invited to review the DEIS and participate in virtual public meetings scheduled for February 2021. Comments on the project can be submitted through BOEM's website or by mail by February 22, 2021.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a record of decision (ROD) concerning wind energy development in the New York Bight area. The decision is based on an environmental impact study that reviewed potential effects on the environment. BOEM has decided to implement measures to minimize, avoid, or mitigate these impacts as conditions for approving projects proposed by companies leasing the area. These measures are detailed in the ROD, which concludes a larger environmental review process.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the availability of the Area Identification for the proposed Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 in northern Cook Inlet, Alaska. This step is part of the 2017-2022 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The Area ID is a preliminary assessment and does not mean that leasing will definitely occur; further steps, including environmental analysis and public comments, are still needed. More information is accessible on BOEM's website and through contact with their Alaska Regional Office.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) plans to create an environmental impact statement (EIS) for an offshore wind energy facility proposed by Vineyard Mid-Atlantic, LLC. This project aims to build and operate wind turbines in a designated area off the coast of New York and New Jersey. The EIS will assess the potential environmental effects and consider public comments. BOEM's decision will help determine whether the facility can move forward, in line with federal and state goals for renewable energy.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the Interior Department, has announced the release of a draft report called the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Regional Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales: Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. This report studies potential impacts of oil and gas leasing in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf. BOEM is requesting public comments on this draft until January 27, 2025, and will hold virtual public meetings for further discussion. The draft considers various alternatives for oil and gas leasing and analyzes the possible effects on the environment and communities, balancing energy needs with environmental protection.