Department of the Interior May 16, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule revises BOEMRE regulations that pertain to noncompetitive acquisition of an Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy lease. We are taking this action because under the current regulations the process for acquiring a lease noncompetitively that is initiated by an unsolicited request is inconsistent with the process for acquiring a lease noncompetitively that is initiated by BOEMRE. By revising regulations which govern the lease acquisition process starting with submission of an unsolicited request, and regulations which govern the lease acquisition process starting with BOEMRE issuance of a Request for Interest (RFI) or a Call for Information and Nomination (Call), this rulemaking will make the two processes consistent with each other.

This order extends the duration of the withdrawal created by Public Land Order No. 6856 for an additional 20-year period. The extension is necessary to continue protection of the unique natural and ecological research values of the Abbott Creek Research Natural Area, which would otherwise expire on May 5, 2011.