Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Vineyard Northeast Project on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Massachusetts
Document Number: 2024-06161
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a construction and operations plan (COP) of a proposed offshore wind energy project submitted by Vineyard Northeast, LLC (Vineyard Northeast). This notice of intent (NOI) initiates the public scoping and comment process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and their respective implementing regulations. Vineyard Northeast proposes to construct and operate the project in Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0522 (Lease Area), which encompasses approximately 132,370 acres and is located approximately 29 miles from Nantucket and approximately 39 miles from Martha's Vineyard, offshore of Massachusetts. Vineyard Northeast proposes to develop the entire Lease Area.
Gulf of Mexico Wind Lease Sale (GOMW-2) for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico-Proposed Sale Notice
Document Number: 2024-05955
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-21
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to hold Gulf of Mexico Wind Lease Sale (GOMW-2) for multiple lease areas (Lease Areas) using a multiple-factor bidding auction format. BOEM will use new auction software for the lease sale, resulting in changes to its previous auction rules. This Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) contains information pertaining to the areas available for leasing, certain lease provisions and conditions, auction details, lease forms, criteria for evaluating competing bids, award procedures, appeal procedures, and lease execution procedures. The issuance of any lease resulting from this sale would not constitute approval of project-specific plans to develop offshore wind energy. Such plans, if submitted by the Lessee, would be subject to subsequent environmental, technical, and public reviews prior to a BOEM decision whether or not to approve them.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Lease Issuance, Site Characterization Activities, and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine Offshore the States of Maine, New Hampshire, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Document Number: 2024-05699
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-18
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with possible wind energy-related leasing, site characterization activities, and site assessment activities on the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Maine offshore the States of Maine and New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. BOEM is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA. The environmental impacts of any proposed wind energy projects will be assessed after a lease is issued and before BOEM decides whether or not to approve any lessee's project construction and operations plan.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Atlantic Shores North Project on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Offshore New Jersey
Document Number: 2024-05649
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-18
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a construction and operations plan (COP) of a proposed offshore wind energy project submitted by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC (Atlantic Shores). This notice of intent (NOI) initiates the public scoping and comment process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Atlantic Shores proposes to construct and operate the project in Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0549 (Lease Area), which is approximately 81,129 acres and located 8.4 statute miles (mi) (7.3 nautical miles) offshore New Jersey and approximately 60 mi offshore New York State. Atlantic Shores proposes to develop the entire Lease Area, known as the Atlantic Shores North Project (the Project).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Leasing of Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur in the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2024-04554
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-05
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0082.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Pollution Prevention and Control
Document Number: 2024-04553
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-05
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0057.
Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for Park City Wind LLC's Proposed New England Wind Farm Offshore Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York
Document Number: 2024-04303
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-01
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for Park City Wind LLC's (PCW) construction and operations plan (COP) for its proposed New England Wind Farm Project (Project) offshore Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action, including the no action alternative. The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Expected Wind Energy Development in the New York Bight; Extension of Comment Period
Document Number: 2024-04246
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-02-29
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On January 12, 2024, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a notice of availability (NOA) in the Federal Register announcing a public comment period for the draft programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) that analyzes the potential impacts of wind energy development in six lease areas of the New York (NY) Bight. BOEM is extending the comment period on the draft PEIS. This notice announces an extension of the public comment period, which will now end on March 13, 2024. After BOEM addresses comments provided, BOEM will publish a final PEIS.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Leasing and Site Assessment Activities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Oregon
Document Number: 2024-02985
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-02-14
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with possible wind energy-related leasing, site assessment, and site characterization activities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Oregon. BOEM seeks public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA. BOEM will assess the environmental impacts of any proposed wind energy projects after a lease is issued and before deciding whether or not to approve any lessee's construction and operations plan.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Cook Inlet Recreation and Tourism Survey
Document Number: 2024-02694
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-02-09
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes a new information collection request (ICR).
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for Additional Site Assessment Activities on Beacon Wind, LLC's Renewable Energy Lease OCS-A 0520
Document Number: 2024-02065
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-02-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the draft environmental assessment (EA) to analyze the reasonably foreseeable impacts from additional site assessment plan (SAP) activities in Lease Area OCS-A 0520 offshore Massachusetts. Beacon Wind, LLC (Beacon Wind), the leaseholder, requests to conduct additional site assessment activities in the lease area that were not analyzed in the initial EA titled ``Commercial Wind Lease Issuance and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Massachusetts'' (2014 EA). The draft EA analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed site assessment activities, which consist of 35 deployments and removals of a single suction bucket foundation at 26 locations within the Lease Area to gather information to support the engineering design of wind turbine and offshore substation foundations that would potentially be installed within the Lease Area for a future Beacon Wind project. This notice of availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period, as well as the dates and times for public meetings on the draft EA. After BOEM holds the public meetings and addresses public comments submitted during the review period, BOEM will publish a final EA. The EA will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve the site assessment plan amendment for additional site assessment activities.
2024 Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments for Oil, Gas, and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2024-01412
Type: Rule
Date: 2024-01-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
This final rule implements the 2024 inflation adjustments to the maximum daily civil monetary penalties in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) regulations for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA). These inflation adjustments are made pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Improvements Act) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum M-24-07. The 2024 adjustment multiplier of 1.03241 accounts for 1 year of inflation from October 2022 through October 2023.
Procedures for Determining Bid Adequacy at Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Document Number: 2024-01070
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-01-22
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalized revisions to its bid adequacy procedures to ensure the receipt of fair market value from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas lease sales. BOEM intends to assess bids using the revised procedures beginning with the first lease sale under the 2024-2029 National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The revised procedures and BOEM's response to public comments on the draft procedures are available at https://www.boem.gov/Fair-Market-Value.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Lease Issuance and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
Document Number: 2024-00513
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-01-12
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with possible wind energy- related leasing, site assessment, and site characterization activities on the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This notice of availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period, as well as the dates and times for public meetings on the draft EA. After BOEM holds the public meetings and addresses public comments submitted during the review period, BOEM will publish a final EA. The EA will inform BOEM's decision whether to issue wind energy leases in the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Areas (WEAs).
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Expected Wind Energy Development in the New York Bight
Document Number: 2024-00512
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-01-12
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the draft programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to analyze the potential impacts of wind energy development in six lease areas of the New York (NY) Bight. The PEIS also identifies possible changes in those impacts that could result from adopting certain avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and monitoring (AMMM) measures (the Proposed Action). This notice of availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period and the dates and times for public meetings on the draft PEIS. After the public comment period and meetings, BOEM will address the issues raised and will publish a final PEIS. The final PEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to adopt certain AMMM measures at this stage that would potentially be required as conditions of approval for activities proposed by NY Bight lessees in their construction and operations plans (COPs) or defer the decision to adopt such measures to each project- specific environmental review.
Renewable Energy Modernization Rule; Correction
Document Number: 2023-27019
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2024-01-03
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is publishing this correction to certain collections of information described in the preamble of the proposed rule titled ``Renewable Energy Modernization Rule'' (Proposed Rule) for public notice and comment. BSEE, in coordination with BOEM, is correcting and soliciting comments related to the preamble discussion of certain information collection burdens that subsequently transferred to BSEE under the rule titled ``Reorganization of Title 30-Renewable Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf'' (Reorganization Rule).
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Future Floating Wind Energy Development Related to 2023 Leased Areas Offshore California
Document Number: 2023-27930
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-12-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Consistent with the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), BOEM announces its intent to prepare a PEIS to analyze the potential impacts of floating offshore wind energy development on the five leased areas offshore Humboldt and Morro Bay, California. The PEIS also will identify programmatic protective mitigation measures that if adopted could lessen those impacts. This NOI announces the scoping process BOEM will use to identify significant issues and potential alternatives for consideration in the California offshore wind (OSW) PEIS.
Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for Sunrise Wind, LLC's Proposed Sunrise Wind Farm Offshore New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Document Number: 2023-27561
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-12-15
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) on Sunrise Wind, LLC's (Sunrise Wind) construction and operations plan (COP) for its proposed Sunrise Wind Farm Project (Project) offshore New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action, including the no action alternative. The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Atlantic Wind Lease Sale 10 for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Development on the U.S. States Central Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf-Proposed Sale Notice
Document Number: 2023-27200
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-12-12
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to hold Atlantic Wind Lease Sale 10 and offer one or more lease areas (Lease Areas) for commercial wind power development on the U.S. Central Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Lease Areas are located in the previously identified wind energy areas (WEAs) A-2 and C-1 offshore the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Virginia. This proposed sale notice (PSN) contains information pertaining to the areas available for leasing, certain lease provisions and conditions, auction details, criteria for evaluating competing bids, and procedures for lease award, appeals, and lease execution. BOEM proposes a multiple factor bidding format using a simultaneous clock auction. BOEM will use new auction software for the lease sale, with attendant and minor changes in the auction rules used in previous OCS wind lease auctions. Any lease resulting from this sale does not constitute approval of any offshore wind energy facilities. Lessees must first submit project- specific plans to BOEM and obtain BOEM's approval before they may start any construction of an OCS wind energy facility. BOEM will subject such plans to environmental, technical, and public reviews prior to deciding whether the proposed development should be authorized.
Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision for the Proposed Empire Offshore Wind Projects
Document Number: 2023-26170
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-28
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The BOEM announces the availability of the joint ROD for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Empire Wind, LLC (Empire Wind) for its proposed Empire Wind Offshore Wind Farm Projects (Projects) offshore New York. The final environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Projects as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action. The joint ROD includes the decision of the Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding the COP, and the decision of NMFS regarding Empire Wind's requested incidental take regulations (ITR) and an associated letter of authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS has adopted the final EIS to support its decision of whether to issue the requested ITR. The joint ROD concludes the National Environmental Policy Act process for each agency.
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-25634
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261), in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. This revised GOM Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final NOS) package contains information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations. Bids submitted under the Revised Final NOS published on October 6, 2023 (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below) will be held and opened on December 20, 2023, unless the bidders withdraw their bid or bids in accordance with the bid withdrawal procedures described in Section VIII``Bid Withdrawal.''
Agency Information Collection Activities; Geological and Geophysical Explorations of the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2023-25588
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0048.
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-24834
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-09
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
With this notice, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is announcing that it is postponing Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261 pending further action by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. To comply with an injunction sought and obtained by the State of Louisiana and other plaintiffs from the district court, as well as a subsequent order from the Fifth Circuit, BOEM had previously provided notice of its intent to hold Lease Sale 261 on November 8, 2023. On October 26, 2023, however, the Fifth Circuit stayed the relevant injunction and order pending the merits panel's decision on appeal. To avoid preempting the Fifth Circuit's decision, and avoid duplication of effort, BOEM is now deferring Lease Sale 261 pending disposition of the appeal that is before the Fifth Circuit. Therefore, BOEM will not open and announce bids for the sale on November 8, 2023. BOEM will make future announcements regarding when and under what terms Lease Sale 261 will be held after the Court issues its ruling or provides additional direction to BOEM. Additional information and announcements will be made available on BOEM's website prior to the sale date. See https://www.boem.gov/sale-261.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Additional Site Assessment Activities on Beacon Wind, LLC's Renewable Energy Lease OCS-A 0520
Document Number: 2023-24610
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-07
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to analyze the reasonably foreseeable impacts from additional site assessment activities in Lease Area OCS-A 0520 offshore Massachusetts. Beacon Wind, LLC, (Beacon Wind), the leaseholder, requests to conduct additional site assessment activities in the lease area that were not analyzed in the initial EA. Those activities comprise temporarily installing and subsequently removing representative components of offshore wind turbine and substation foundations using a single suction bucket at locations where turbines and substations may be installed. BOEM is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA. This EA is limited to site assessment activities and will be completed consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations of the Department of the Interior and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). BOEM will assess the impacts of constructing and operating any wind energy project proposed by Beacon Wind in Lease Area OCS-A 0520 in an environmental impact statement before deciding whether to approve that proposed project.
Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision for the Proposed Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project
Document Number: 2023-24295
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-03
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the joint ROD on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Virginia Electric and Power Company (dba Dominion Energy) for its proposed Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project (Project), offshore Virginia Beach, Virginia. The joint ROD includes the Department of the Interior's (DOI) decision regarding the COP and NMFS' plans for decision, pending completion of all statutory processes, regarding Dominion Energy's requested Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS has adopted the final EIS to support its decision of whether or not to issue the requested ITR under the MMPA. The joint ROD concludes the National Environmental Policy Act process for each agency.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Piloting an Approach to Community-Informed Characterization of Communities With Environmental Justice Concerns
Document Number: 2023-24188
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-11-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this new information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Negotiated Noncompetitive Agreement for the Use of Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell Resources on the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2023-23414
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0191.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for US Wind Inc's Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Maryland
Document Number: 2023-21749
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-06
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by US Wind Inc. (US Wind) for its proposed Maryland Offshore Wind Project (Project) offshore Maryland. The DEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action. This notice of availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period, as well as the dates and times for public hearings on the DEIS. After BOEM holds the public hearings and addresses comments provided, BOEM will publish a final environmental impact statement (FEIS). The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Notice on Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Document Number: 2023-22317
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-06
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 and BOEM's regulatory restrictions on joint bidding, BOEM is publishing this list of restricted joint bidders. Each entity within one of the following groups is restricted from bidding with any entity in any of the other groups listed below at Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease sales held during the bidding period of November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-22316
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-06
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261), in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. This revised GOM Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final NOS) package contains information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations.
Conformity With the Inflation Reduction Act for Renewable Energy on the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2023-21713
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-10-04
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is amending its renewable energy regulations to update the definition of Outer Continental Shelf and add the definition of State in conformity with the Inflation Reduction Act.
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-21714
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
With this notice, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is announcing the rescheduling of Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261. Instead of holding the sale on September 27, 2023, as originally planned, BOEM will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the sale on November 8, 2023, in accordance with the order issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on September 25, 2023. Additional information regarding the sale and a new Final Notice of Sale (NOS) package will be available on BOEM's website at least 30 days prior to the sale date at https://www.boem.gov/oil- gas-energy/leasing/lease-sale-261.
Call for Information and Nominations for Western, Central, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales for 2024-2029
Document Number: 2023-21679
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issues this Call for Information and Nominations (Call) covering proposed Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sales in the available portions of the Western, Central, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Areas (WPA, CPA, and EPA, respectively). Those sales are described in the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2024-2029 National OCS Program), which BOEM announced on September 29, 2023. This Call solicits industry nominations of acreage for possible inclusion in future sales and requests information from the public on the Call Area for lease sale planning. Specifically, BOEM seeks information on geological conditions, archaeological sites, potential use conflicts, areas of special concern, and other socioeconomic, biological, and environmental information. This Call is not a final decision to lease and does not prejudge any future secretarial decisions concerning leasing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Notice of Availability of the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2023-21678
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM is announcing the availability of the Proposed Final Program (PFP) for the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2024-2029 Program, National OCS Program, or Program), as well as the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the 2024-2029 Program (Final Programmatic EIS).
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Gulf of Mexico Regional Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2023-21675
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-02
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Consistent with the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), BOEM announces its intent to prepare a Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Regional Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (GOM Oil and Gas PEIS). The GOM Oil and Gas PEIS will analyze the potential impacts of a representative oil and gas lease sale in available OCS areas of the Western, Central, and Eastern Planning Areas (Proposed Action) and the associated potential site and activity-specific approvals resulting from a sale. This NOI announces the scoping process BOEM will use to identify significant issues and potential alternatives for consideration in the GOM Oil and Gas PEIS. The draft PEIS will include a summary of all alternatives, information, and analyses submitted during the scoping process for consideration by BOEM and the cooperating agencies.
Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project, Offshore Virginia
Document Number: 2023-21337
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-09-29
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Virginia Electric and Power Company (dba Dominion Energy) for the proposed Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project (Project), offshore Virginia Beach, Virginia. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action, including the no action alternative. The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Pollution Prevention and Control
Document Number: 2023-20053
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-09-15
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0057.
Notice of Availability of the Empire Offshore Wind Final Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2023-19956
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-09-15
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Empire Wind, LLC (Empire Wind) for its proposed Empire Wind Offshore Wind Farm Project (Project) offshore New York. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action. The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-18345
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261). This ROD identifies the selected alternative for GOM Lease Sale 261, which is analyzed in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 259 and 261: Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS).
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Document Number: 2023-18342
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261), in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) requires BOEM to hold GOM Lease Sale 261 by September 30, 2023. The GOM Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final NOS) package contains information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations.
Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations; Extension of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2023-18370
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-08-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is extending the public comment period on our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), ``Risk Management and Financial Assurance for Outer Continental Shelf Lease and Grant Obligations,'' by 10 days. Comments previously submitted do not need to be resubmitted and will be fully considered.
Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision for the Revolution Wind Farm and Revolution Wind Export Cable Project
Document Number: 2023-18244
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the joint ROD on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Revolution Wind, LLC (Revolution Wind) for its Revolution Wind Farm and Revolution Wind Export Cable Project (Project) offshore Rhode Island. The joint ROD includes the Department of the Interior's (DOI) decision regarding the Revolution Wind COP, NMFS' decision regarding Revolution Wind's request for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and the DA's decision regarding authorizations under section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA) and section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). NMFS has adopted the FEIS to support its decision of whether or not to promulgate ITRs and issue a LOA to Revolution Wind under the MMPA. USACE has adopted the FEIS to support its decision to issue a DA permit under section 10 of the RHA and section 404 of the CWA. The joint ROD concludes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for each agency and is available with associated information on BOEM's website at: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state- activities/revolution-wind.
Agency Information Collection Activities; North Atlantic Right Whale Research and Management Activities
Document Number: 2023-17126
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-10
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes a new information collection request (ICR).
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Lease Issuance and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
Document Number: 2023-16313
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-01
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with possible wind energy-related leasing, site assessment, and site characterization activities on the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA. The environmental impacts of any proposed wind energy projects will be assessed after a lease is issued and before BOEM decides whether or not to approve any lessee's project construction and operations plan.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for a Wind Energy Research Lease on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Maine
Document Number: 2023-15389
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-21
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the potential issuance of a wind energy research lease to the State of Maine. The draft EA analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the site characterization and site assessment activities that are expected to take place should this research lease be issued. This notice of availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period, as well as the dates and times for public meetings on the draft EA. After BOEM holds the public meetings and addresses public comments submitted during the review period, BOEM will publish a final EA. The EA will inform BOEM's decision whether to issue the research lease.
Notice of Availability of the Revolution Wind Farm and Revolution Wind Export Cable Project Final Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2023-15387
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-21
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Revolution Wind, LLC (Revolution Wind) for its proposed Revolution Wind Farm and Revolution Wind Export Cable Project (Project) offshore Rhode Island. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and the alternatives to the proposed action. The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.
Final Sale Notice (FSN) for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Development on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico (GOMW-1)
Document Number: 2023-15501
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-21
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
This Final Sale Notice (FSN) contains information pertaining to the areas available for commercial wind energy leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Specifically, this FSN details certain provisions and conditions of the leases, auction details, the lease form, criteria for evaluating competing bids, and procedures for award, appeal, and lease execution. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will offer three leases for sale using a multiple-factor bidding auction format: Lease OCS-G 37334, Lease OCS- G37335, and Lease OCS-G37336 (Lease Areas). The issuance of any lease resulting from this sale will not constitute approval of project- specific plans to develop offshore wind energy. Such plans, if submitted by the Lessee, will be subject to environmental, technical, and public reviews prior to a BOEM decision on whether the proposed activity should be authorized.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer Continental Shelf
Document Number: 2023-15059
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-17
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0048.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Plans and Information
Document Number: 2023-14822
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-13
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew with revisions Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 1010-0151.
Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision (ROD) for the Ocean Wind LLC Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore New Jersey
Document Number: 2023-14647
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-11
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM announces the availability of the joint ROD on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Ocean Wind LLC (Ocean Wind) for its Ocean Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm Project (Project) offshore New Jersey. The joint ROD includes the decisions of the Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding the Ocean Wind 1 COP and NMFS regarding Ocean Wind LLC's requested Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS has adopted the Final EIS to support its decision of whether or not to issue the requested ITR under the MMPA. The joint ROD concludes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for each agency and is available with associated information on BOEM's website at: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/ocean- wind- 1.
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