Search Results for keywords:"Gulf of Mexico"

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 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to TGS, allowing the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA is effective from February 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The authorization is granted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which permits incidental takings only if they have a negligible impact on the species. The surveys will occur over 83 days with specific modeling used to ensure compliance with existing regulations, and the anticipated impact is considered minimal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extended the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for bp Exploration and Production, Inc., allowing them to take marine mammals incidentally during geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. The new expiration date is March 31, 2025, instead of the original February 14, 2025. This extension is due to bp using only one source vessel rather than the planned two, and it does not change any other aspects of the survey or the analyses supporting the authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, issued a final rule to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" in its regulations. This change follows Executive Order 14172, titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," and aims to ensure consistency across federal government references. No notice of proposed rulemaking was required for this rule as it makes no substantive changes impacting public rights or obligations. The renaming is effective March 17, 2025, and involves technical amendments with no additional costs to the public.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Venice Gathering System Abandonment Project located in the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana. Venice Gathering System, L.L.C. plans to stop using and leave in place about 124.4 miles of natural gas pipeline. The EA concludes that this project would not significantly impact the environment. Interested individuals or groups can view the EA online and submit comments by March 3, 2025, following the guidelines provided by FERC.

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 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) allowing TGS to conduct geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico and to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals. This decision follows the regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, ensuring that the activities have a negligible impact on marine species. The surveys will take place beginning December 20, 2024, and are planned to use a low-frequency airgun source called Gemini. The authorization ensures that the potential impact on marine mammals is minimal and aligns with existing regulations and environmental protection standards.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that they are canceling the Record of Decision for the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257. This decision is in response to Executive Order 14008, which pauses new oil and gas leasing on public lands and offshore waters until a comprehensive review is completed. The lease sale was initially planned to occur on March 17, 2021, but is now halted. BOEM may consider the lease sale again after the review and could issue a new decision in the future.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the University of Texas at Austin. This authorization allows UT to accidentally disturb certain marine mammals, like dolphins, while conducting a marine geophysical survey off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey will use low-energy seismic airguns to gather data, and measures are in place to minimize impact on the animals. The authorization also includes monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure marine mammal protection.

The document is a Presidential Proclamation by Donald J. Trump, declaring February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day. This follows an Executive Order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America to honor its importance to the United States. The proclamation invites public officials and citizens to celebrate this day with appropriate events and activities. It emphasizes restoring American pride by acknowledging historical significance.