BOEM Extends O&G Lease Comment Period
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is extending the public comment period for the Request for Information (RFI) and Comments on the Preparation of the 2017-2022 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The RFI was released in mid-June as the initial step in the multi-year offshore oil and gas planning process. This extension of the comment period is being issued in response to requests from several states. The bureau will allow an additional 15 days for the public to submit information and comments on its website or in writing. The June publication of the RFI began a 45-day comment period. With the extension, BOEM will accept comments until August 15.
US Kicks off Evaluation of Offshore Oil, Gas Leases
The U.S. Department of the Interior took its first steps on Friday to develop the next five-year schedule of potential offshore oil and gas lease sales. Interior issued a request for information and comments on the oil and gas leasing program for U.S. coastal waters to run from 2017 to 2022, kicking off a 45-day comment period. The planning process for federal waters surrounding the United States known as the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will take up to three years to complete, the agency said. "The development of the next five-year program will be a thorough and open process that incorporates stakeholder input and uses the best available science," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement. U.S.
Interior's Salazar to Announce Oil & Gas Program
Secretary Salazar, Interior Department Leadership to Announce 2012-2017 Offshore Oil and Gas Program at 1200 hours today. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Deputy Secretary David J, Hayes, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Tommy P. Beaudreau will hold a news teleconference TODAY to announce the Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017. The OCS Lands Act requires that the Secretary of the Interior prepare a 5-Year Program that includes a schedule of oil and gas lease sales indicating the size, timing, and location of proposed leasing activity that the Secretary determines will best meet national energy needs for the 5-year period following its approval…
