Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Oil and Gas Lease Sales, Central Planning Area (CPA) Lease Sales 235, 241, and 247
Document Number: 2014-06297
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM has prepared a Draft Supplemental EIS for proposed OCS oil and gas Lease Sales 235, 241, and 247, which are tentatively scheduled to be held in March 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, in the CPA offshore the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This Draft Supplemental EIS updates the environmental and socioeconomic analyses for proposed CPA Lease Sales 235, 241, and 247 in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2012-2017; Western Planning Area Lease Sales 229, 233, 238, 246, and 248; Central Planning Area Lease Sales 227, 231, 235, 241, and 247, Final Environmental Impact Statement (OCS EIS/EA BOEM 2012-019) (2012-2017 WPA/CPA Multisale EIS) and in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2013-2014; Western Planning Area Lease Sale 233; Central Planning Area Lease Sale 231, Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (OCS EIS/EA BOEM 2013-0118) (WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS). The 2012-2017 WPA/CPA Multisale EIS was completed in July 2012. The WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS was completed in April 2013.
Potential Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) Research Lease on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon; Request for Competitive Interest
Document Number: 2014-06295
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The purpose of this public notice is to: (1) Describe the proposal submitted to BOEM by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Oregon State University (NNMREC-OSU) to acquire an OCS lease for MHK research activities; (2) solicit submissions of indications of interest in obtaining a renewable energy lease for MHK research or commercial activities on the OCS offshore Oregon in the area described in this notice; and (3) solicit public input regarding the area described in this notice, the potential environmental consequences of MHK energy development in the area, and multiple uses of the area. On June 17, 2013, BOEM received an unsolicited request from NNMREC- OSU for an MHK OCS research lease offshore Oregon. The objective of NNMREC-OSU is to obtain a lease under 30 CFR 585.238 for renewable energy research activities, including MHK device installation and operational testing and the installation of monitoring equipment. The purpose of NNMREC-OSU's proposed project, the ``Pacific Marine Energy CenterSouth Energy Test Site,'' is to design, develop and demonstrate a grid-connected MHK research facility on the OCS approximately five nautical miles (nmi) southwest of Newport, Oregon. The project would consist of four test sites (or berths), with each test berth capable of testing single or multiple MHK devices and equipped with its own subsea cable to transmit energy, as well as performance and environmental data, from the test berth to an onshore control center. Each of the test berth electrical cables would connect at a single submerged point, with a single transmission export cable capable of transmitting up to 10 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the mainland. The export cable would cross the OCS and state submerged lands. Additional information on NNMREC-OSU's unsolicited lease request can be viewed at: www.boem.gov/Oregon. This RFCI is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act, as amended by section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)), and the implementing regulations at 30 CFR 585.238. Subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act requires that OCS renewable energy leases, easements and rights-of-way be issued ``on a competitive basis unless the Secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.'' 30 CFR 585.238(c) states that BOEM may issue research leases if ``no competitive interest exists''. This RFCI provides such public notice for the proposed lease area requested by NNMREC-OSU and invites the submission of indications of interest. BOEM is soliciting submissions of interest for MHK energy development only with this notice. BOEM will consider the responses to this public notice to determine whether competitive interest exists for the area requested by NNMREC-OSU, as required by 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3). Parties wishing to obtain a lease for MHK development for the area described herein under ``Description of the Proposed Lease Area'' should submit detailed and specific information as described in the section entitled, ``Required Indication of Interest Information.'' BOEM has jurisdiction to issue leases on the OCS for MHK projects under subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 13376(p)), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction to issue licenses under Part I of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16 U.S.C. 792-823A (2006) for the construction and operation of hydrokinetic projects on the OCS. This announcement also requests that interested and affected parties comment and provide information about site conditions and multiple uses within the area identified in this notice that would be relevant to the proposed project or its potential impacts. A detailed description of the proposed lease area can be found in the section of this notice entitled, ``Description of the Area.''
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Oil and Gas Lease Sales, Western Planning Area (WPA) Lease Sales 238, 246, and 248 MMAA104000
Document Number: 2014-06288
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Consistent with the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), BOEM has prepared a Final Supplemental EIS for proposed OCS oil and gas Lease Sales 238, 246, and 248, which are tentatively scheduled to be held in August 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, in the WPA offshore the States of Texas and Louisiana. This Final Supplemental EIS updates the baseline conditions and potential environmental effects of oil and natural gas leasing, exploration, development, and production in the WPA since publication of Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2012-2017; Western Planning Area Lease Sales 229, 233, 238, 246, and 248; Central Planning Area Lease Sales 227, 231, 235, 241, and 247, Final Environmental Impact Statement (OCS EIS/EA BOEM 2012-019) (2012- 2017 WPA/CPA Multisale EIS) and Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2013-2014; Western Planning Area Lease Sale 233; Central Planning Area Lease Sale 231, Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (OCS EIS/EA BOEM 2013-0118) (WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS). The 2012-2017 WPA/CPA Multisale EIS was completed in July 2012. The WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS was completed in April 2013.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Proposed Wind Energy-Related Research Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Virginia and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting MMAA104000
Document Number: 2014-05683
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.), BOEM intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences associated with the approval of wind energy-related research activities offshore Virginia as proposed by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). BOEM is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA. In addition to the request for written comments, BOEM is holding a public scoping meeting to solicit comments on the scope of the EA. The meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
Information Collection: Social Indicators in Coastal Alaska: Arctic Communities Survey; Proposed Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request; MMAA104000
Document Number: 2014-05605
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is inviting comments on a new collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) pertains to a survey conducted in northern coastal Alaska communities.
Information Collection: Project Planning for the Use of OCS Sand, Gravel, and Shell Resources in Construction Projects That Qualify for a Negotiated Noncompetitive Agreement; Submitted for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2014-05300
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-12
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is notifying the public that we have submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This ICR concerns the paperwork requirements that respondents will submit to BOEM to obtain Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand, gravel, and shell resources for use in shore protection, beach and coastal restoration, and other authorized projects that qualify for a negotiated noncompetitive agreement. This notice provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of this collection.
Geological and Geophysical Exploration (G&G) on the Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Document Number: 2014-05046
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-07
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Consistent with the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), BOEM has prepared a Final Programmatic EIS to describe and evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with reasonably foreseeable G&G survey activities in Federal waters overlying the Mid- and South Atlantic OCS, as well as potentially interconnected or interrelated activities in adjacent State waters, as described in the Supplemental Information section below. These activities include, but are not limited to, seismic surveys (deep penetration and high-resolution geophysical), electromagnetic surveys, geological and geochemical sampling, and remote sensing surveys. The Final Programmatic EIS covers reasonably foreseeable G&G activities associated with the three program areas managed by BOEM on the OCS (i.e., oil and gas exploration and development, renewable energy, and marine minerals). The Final Programmatic EIS also evaluates mitigating measures to reduce potential impacts of G&G activities on marine resources, such as sound impacts to marine species and bottom-disturbance impacts on benthic communities and cultural resources.
Environmental Documents Prepared for Oil, Gas, and Mineral Operations by the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region
Document Number: 2014-04864
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-05
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM, in accordance with Federal regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of NEPA-related Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs). These documents were prepared during the period October 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, for oil, gas, and mineral-related activities that were proposed in the Gulf of Mexico, and are more specifically described in the Supplementary Information section of this notice.
Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area (CPA) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 231 (CPA Sale 231); Correction
Document Number: 2014-04346
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-27
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On February 14, 2014, BOEM published in the Federal Register the Final Notice of Sale (FNOS) for CPA Sale 231. The FNOS refers to a document entitled ``List of Blocks Available for Leasing.'' The referenced list was included in the FNOS Package, and the FNOS Package was made available at the BOEM address and Web site set forth in the FNOS. The list identifies blocks to be offered in CPA Sale 231; however, due to a clerical error, four blocks, Eugene Island Area, Block Number 107, Eugene Island Area, Block Number 222, Eugene Island Area, Block Number 223 and South Marsh Island Area, South Addition, Block Number 144, were inadvertently omitted from the list.
Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Central Planning Area (CPA) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 231
Document Number: 2014-04187
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-26
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM has prepared a ROD for oil and gas CPA Lease Sale 231 scheduled for March 19, 2014. CPA Lease Sale 231 is the second CPA lease sale scheduled in the Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017 (Five-Year Program). The proposed lease sale is in the Gulf of Mexico's CPA off the States of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. In making its decision, BOEM considered alternatives to the proposed action and the potential impacts as presented in the WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS and all comments received throughout the NEPA process. The WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS updated the baseline conditions and potential environmental effects of oil and natural gas leasing, exploration, development, and production in the WPA and CPA since publication of the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2012-2017; Western Planning Area Lease Sales 229, 233, 238, 246, and 248; Central Planning Area Lease Sales 227, 231, 235, 241, and 247, Final Environmental Impact Statement (2012-2017 WPA/CPA Multisale EIS) (USDOI, BOEM, 2012b). The WPA 233/CPA 231 Supplemental EIS analyzed the potential impacts of the proposed action in the CPA and was completed in April 2013.
Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Eastern Planning Area (EPA) Oil and Gas Lease Sales 225 and 226
Document Number: 2014-04184
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-26
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BOEM has prepared a ROD for oil and gas EPA Lease Sale 225 scheduled for March 19, 2014. The proposed lease sale is in the Gulf of Mexico's EPA off the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. EPA Lease Sale 225 is the first EPA lease sale scheduled in the OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017 (Five Year Program). In making its decision, BOEM considered an alternative to the proposed action, the potential impacts as presented in the EPA 225/226 EIS, and all comments received throughout the NEPA process. The EPA 225/226 EIS evaluated the environmental and socioeconomic impacts for EPA Lease Sale 225.
Information Collection: Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur; Proposed Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request; MMAA104000
Document Number: 2014-04121
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-26
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 582, Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.
Consumer Price Index Adjustments of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Limit of Liability for Offshore Facilities
Document Number: 2014-03738
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-02-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing to add a new subpart to its regulations on Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) for Offshore Facilities designed to increase the limit of liability for damages applicable to offshore facilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), to reflect significant increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 1990, and to establish a methodology BOEM would use to periodically adjust for inflation the OPA offshore facility limit of liability. BOEM proposes to increase the limit of liability for damages from $75 million to $133.65 million. OPA requires inflation adjustments to the offshore facility limit of liability not less than every three years to preserve the deterrent effect and ``polluter pays'' principle embodied in the OPA Title I liability and compensation provisions. In addition, the Department of the Interior has determined that this change would further protect the environment by ensuring that any party that causes an oil spill would pay an increased amount of any potential damages. BOEM is publishing this update to its regulations and is soliciting public comments on the method of updates, the clarity of the rule and any other pertinent matters. The Department is limiting the rulemaking comment period to 30 days since it does not anticipate receiving adverse comments on this rulemaking.
Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area (CPA) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 231 (CPA Sale 231)
Document Number: 2014-03316
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-14
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, BOEM will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in CPA Sale 231 in accordance with the provisions of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA, 43 U.S.C. 1331-1356, as amended) and the implementing regulations issued pursuant thereto (30 CFR Parts 550 and 556). The CPA 231 Final Notice of Sale (NOS) package (Final NOS Package) contains information essential to potential bidders, and bidders are charged with knowing the contents of the documents contained in the Final NOS Package. The Final NOS Package is available at the address and Web site below.
Notice of Determination of No Competitive Interest for the WindFloat Pacific Project Offshore Oregon; MMAA104000
Document Number: 2014-02549
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-06
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
This notice provides BOEM's determination that there is no competitive interest in the area requested by Principle Power, Incorporated (PPI) to acquire an Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) commercial wind lease as described in the Potential Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon, Request for Interest (RFI) that BOEM published on September 30, 2013 (78 FR 59968). The RFI described the WindFloat Pacific Project proposal submitted to BOEM by PPI to acquire a commercial wind lease on the OCS offshore Oregon, and provided an opportunity for the public to submit comments about the proposal.
Information Collection: Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf and Pipeline Rights of Way; Submitted for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2014-02195
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-02-03
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is notifying the public that we have submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR Part 556, Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the OCS; 30 CFR Part 550, Subpart J, Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of- Way; and 30 CFR Part 560, OCS Oil and Gas Leasing. This notice provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of this collection.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.