Search Results for agency_names:"Ocean Energy Management Bureau"

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) 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) 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 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) has decided that there is competitive interest in leasing areas for wind energy development in the Gulf of Mexico, following a request for competitive interest published earlier in 2024. Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC initially expressed interest in leasing the areas, and Invenergy GOM Offshore Wind LLC also submitted an interest. Both companies have been found to be qualified for holding a lease, and BOEM plans to proceed with a competitive lease sale process in the Gulf, potentially starting in 2026. This decision comes after BOEM reviewed proposals and comments regarding the suitability of the specified areas for wind energy projects.

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).