Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Department of the Interior (the Department or DOI), acting through BOEM, proposes to modify its criteria for determining whether oil, gas, and sulfur lessees, right-of-use and easement (RUE) grant holders, and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) grant holders may be required to provide bonds or other financial assurance above the current regulatorily prescribed base bonds to ensure compliance with their Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) obligations. This proposed rule would also remove existing restrictive provisions for third-party guarantees and decommissioning accounts and would add new criteria under which a bond or third-party guarantee that was provided as supplemental financial assurance may be canceled. Additionally, this proposed rule would clarify bonding requirements for RUEs serving Federal leases. Based on the proposed framework, BOEM estimates that the aggregate amount of supplemental financial assurance required of lessees and grant holders under this proposed rulemaking available to the U.S. government for decommissioning activities would increase by an estimated $9.2 billion over current levels. This value represents less than one-quarter of all offshore decommissioning liabilities, which is currently estimated at $42.8 billion. This proposed rulemaking would not apply to renewable energy activities.

BOEM announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Ocean Wind LLC (Ocean Wind) for its proposed Ocean Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm Project (Project) offshore New Jersey. 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.

BOEM announces the availability of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, LLC and Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 2, LLC for their proposed Atlantic Shores South Wind Project (Project) offshore New Jersey. 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 public comments submitted during the review period, BOEM will publish a final environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.

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 reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences associated with the issuance of a research lease to the State of Maine. That lease would grant Maine the exclusive right to submit, for BOEM's potential approval, plans for wind energy-related research activities offshore Maine. BOEM is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives that should be considered in the EA.

This notice announces the availability of the new North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)-based Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) official protraction diagrams (OPDs) and official protraction aliquot diagrams (OPADs) depicting geographic areas in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). These diagrams may be used for the description of potential renewable energy and mineral lease sales in the geographic areas that the diagrams represent.

On February 17, 2023, BOEM published a notice of availability (NOA) in the Federal Register announcing a public comment period regarding the DEIS for SouthCoast Wind Energy, LLC's (SouthCoast Wind) construction and operations plan (COP) for a proposed wind energy facility offshore Massachusetts. BOEM is extending the comment period on the DEIS. This notice announces a 15-day extension of the public comment period from April 3, 2023, to April 18, 2023. After BOEM 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.

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 1010-0187.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of the Proposed Notice of Sale (Proposed NOS) for the proposed Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261). GOM Lease Sale 261 is required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. BOEM is publishing this notice pursuant to its regulatory authority. Pursuant to section 19 of the OCS Lands Act the Secretary of the Interior provides Governors of affected States and the executive of any affected local government the opportunity to review and comment on the Proposed NOS. The Proposed NOS describes the proposed size, timing, and location of the sale, including lease stipulations, terms and conditions, minimum bids, royalty rates, and rental rates.