Search Results for agency_names:"Ocean Energy Management Bureau"

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.

The Department of the Interior is reopening the comment period for a proposed rule about oil and gas operations in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf. This rule was initially published on December 9, 2020, and its comment period was set to close on February 8, 2021. Due to requests for more time, the comment period is now extended by 60 days, giving the public until April 9, 2021, to share their thoughts on the proposed changes. This proposal and its commentary are managed by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

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) is seeking public input and nominations regarding potential commercial wind energy leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the coast of Guam. This initiative aims to gather information on local site conditions, resources, and usage to decide whether to hold a competitive lease sale or issue a noncompetitive lease. BOEM is working with various stakeholders, including federal agencies and local communities, to evaluate suitable areas for offshore wind projects. Feedback is essential to identify areas that are appropriate for development and address any concerns or conflicts with existing ocean uses.

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 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) 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) 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) is planning to renew its information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a focus on pollution prevention and control in offshore oil and gas activities. The agency is seeking public comments on this information collection, which primarily concerns air quality standards compliance and the reporting of emissions. To streamline and improve this process, BOEM is introducing a new system, the OCS Air Quality System (OCS AQS), to replace outdated software. The public has until February 11, 2021, to submit comments, which will help BOEM minimize the reporting burden while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a notice correcting a previous publication about the California Offshore Wind Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. The original document, published in the Federal Register on November 14, 2024, had mistakenly listed the wrong start date for the 90-day comment period. The notice clarifies that the comment period actually began on November 14, 2024. For further details, Lisa Gilbane at BOEM can be contacted.