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Minerals Management Service News

09 Jun 2022

US Oil Spill Testing, Response Facility Gets Major Upgrade

A crane replaces a bridge over the Ohmsett Oil Spill Response & Renewable Energy Test facility during refurbishment in spring 2022. (Photo: BSEE)

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility, known as Ohmsett, has now reopened after undergoing significant refurbishment over the past eight months as part of BSEE’s ongoing maintenance plan. Originally constructed and operated by the U.S. EPA in 1974, the facility was passed to the U.S. Navy and then to the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service in 1990. Today, it is the only facility in the U.S. conducting full-scale oil spill response research, equipment testing and training using live oil.

30 Oct 2019

OP/ED: Offshore Wind

Nicolette Nye, Vice President of Communications and Member Development of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) in Washington, DC.

Set to Soar, Taking Offshore Support Industry With it.Offshore energy development is opening a new front in the United States -- the Atlantic seaboard, with strong winds, a shallow continental shelf and a proximity to dense population centers is driving strong interest in offshore wind development. The offshore oil and gas supply chain stands to benefit in a big way from billions in coming investment. In fact, it is already playing a role. Companies in the Gulf of Mexico, which traditionally support the offshore oil and gas sector…

29 Mar 2016

BOEM Announces Final Rule for Oil and Gas Leasing

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Final Rule for Leasing of Oil and Gas or Sulfur in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will be published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2016. The final rule updates and streamlines the existing OCS leasing regulations. The update also reflects that the former Minerals Management Service has reorganized and divided into three separate new organizations. The final rule reorganizes and reorders regulations for clarity, eliminates redundant or otherwise unnecessary text, and adds new definitions and sections to standardize or clarify practices in all three BOEM OCS regional offices. The…

18 Apr 2013

Offshore Energy

How much can change in one generation? Let’s take a look at the current generation entering your workforce born between 1980 and 2000; the Millennials. This generation grew up rarely hearing the phrase, “You can’t do that.” They have always known what a computer is, have no concept of the breakthrough of the bag phone and are just now discovering that records (vinyls) have songs on both sides. Easy access to infinite knowledge has always been at their fingertips via the internet. Their world has always held limitless possibilities because of technology.

20 Apr 2012

MarineNews INSIGHTS: James Watson, Director BSEE

James A. Watson IV, Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

James A. Watson IV, Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Named Rear Admiral James A. Watson IV as New Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in November of 2011. BSEE was one of the two agencies to succeed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) on Oct. 1, 2011. Admiral Watson began as BSEE Director on December 1, 2011, and will succeed Michael R. Bromwich. Previously, Watson was better known to maritime stakeholders as the U.S.

22 Dec 2011

BSEE: Unannounced Spill Drill to Test Subsea Containment Response

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has completed the first unannounced oil spill drill since the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service was completed on Oct. 1. The table-top drill, which took place last week, was led jointly by BSEE in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Louisiana and tested Stone Energy Corporation’s ability to assess a subsea well control situation and mobilize the proper subsea containment/intervention equipment in a timely manner. A final evaluation will follow when analysis of all documentation is completed. “The Unannounced Spill Drill Program provides…

05 Dec 2011

Offshore Oil Spills & A Culture of Complacency

The dictionary defines “complacency” as tranquil pleasure or self-satisfaction, especially when uncritical or unwarranted. Groups are prone to complacency when events occur as expected over an extended period of time. They let their guard down, assuming that events will continue to turn out as they have in the recent past. It is one of the most important jobs of leaders and managers to prevent their groups from falling into a culture of complacency. Otherwise, the group will be set up for failure, perhaps catastrophic.

30 Sep 2011

BOEMRE Announces Regulatory Authorities for New Agencies

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today announced a final rule that separates the federal regulations that govern offshore energy and resource development between the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), effective October 1, 2011. The two bureaus will become operational on that date, completing the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). The organization of the regulations reflected in the final rule tracks the set of activities that will now be undertaken separately by BSEE and BOEM. “This is a critical step in our reorganization efforts,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich.

19 Sep 2011

BOEMRE Holds Unannounced Spill Drill

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) announced today that the bureau has completed the first unannounced spill drill to test the new requirements of sub-sea containment capabilities for deepwater wells. Led by BOEMRE, the table-top drill, which took place last week, was a joint exercise with the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Louisiana, and Petrobras America, Inc. The preliminary results of the drill were positive; a final evaluation will follow when analysis of all documentation is completed. “We are using many diverse methods, techniques and tools to ensure that oil and gas operations on the Outer Continental Shelf are being conducted in the safest and most environmentally-responsible manner,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich.

16 Sep 2011

Secretary Salazar Appoints Bromwich, Beaudreau to Lead New DOI Bureaus

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar named current Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich to lead the newly formed Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and current BOEMRE Senior Advisor Tommy P. Beaudreau to lead the newly formed Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Bromwich and Beaudreau have both been highly involved in the creation of the two new bureaus, as well as the Department’s efforts to strengthen the oversight of offshore oil and gas exploration and development. BSEE and BOEM will be officially established on Oct. 1, 2011. Bromwich has agreed to serve as the BSEE Director until a permanent director is selected.

16 Sep 2011

Long Island Offshore Wind Project: $2.7 to $4.7B

An offshore wind farm proposed to deliver 350 to 700 MW is proposed for the scenic shores of Long Island.(Photo: Greg Trauthwein)

The Long Island–New York City Offshore Wind Collaborative, consisting of Consolidated Edison Company of New York (Con Edison), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) filed a lease application with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). This application furthers Governor Cuomo’s clean energy agenda. Earlier this year, the Governor announced the latest awards under New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard program, providing contracts valued at $191 million to 17 renewable energy projects statewide.

14 Sep 2011

Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator Media Statement

"The Republic of the Marshall Islands acknowledges the Commandant's conclusions. The United States Coast Guard's report, with final Commandant action, reinforces many of the findings contained in the flag State’s report released previously," said Bill Gallagher, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs. "The Marshall Islands looks forward to working closely with the United States and other member States at the International Maritime Organization to implement the lessons that can be learned from this casualty and improve maritime safety going forward," he concluded.

23 Jun 2011

BOEMRE Director Remarks, World Nat’l Oil Companies Congress

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich delivered remarks June 22 at the 5th annual World National Oil Companies Congress in London. The World National Oil Companies Congress brings together senior executives from national oil companies and government leaders from around the world to discuss global energy issues. Director Bromwich is attending this year's meeting to further the bureau’s efforts to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation with regulatory counterparts around the globe, especially in light of the recommendations of the National Commission on the Deepwater…

26 May 2011

BOEMRE Names Alaska Regional Director

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today named Dr. James Kendall as the Director of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region. Dr. Kendall has been serving as the Acting Director for the region since January 1, 2011. “Jim is absolutely the right person for the job. We have very difficult decisions to make regarding energy development offshore Alaska, and the American public must have complete confidence that those decisions will be informed by the best scientific information available,” said Director Bromwich. “Jim embodies the principles of scientific integrity. He is committed to openness and transparency, and he is a dedicated public servant.

14 May 2011

BOEMRE Seeking Accident Investigation Board Chief

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today announced it is seeking to fill a senior position in the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), one of the two agencies that will replace the former Minerals Management Service on Oct. 1, 2011. The position is being filled now to ensure a smooth transition. This position will serve as the Chief of the Accident Investigation Board, and will be located in the bureau’s office in Herndon, Va.

09 May 2011

BOEMRE Seeking Senior Executives for New Bureaus

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is seeking to fill five senior executive positions for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), the two new bureaus that will replace the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). “The positions we are announcing today will be critical to the smooth and effective functioning of the two new bureaus,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. The positions will be filled over the next several months, so that the executive leadership teams for both BOEM and BSEE will be in place to ensure a smooth transition when the bureaus commence separate operations on Oct. 1, 2011.

27 Apr 2011

BOEMRE to Hire Regional Leadership for New Bureau

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today announced its search to fill two senior leadership positions for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), one of the two new bureaus being created as part of the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service. The positions to be filled are the Regional Directors for the Pacific Region and Alaska Region offices, located in Camarillo, Calif., and Anchorage, Alaska, respectively. "The people occupying these senior positions will have the responsibility for managing and directing all regulatory and enforcement programs related to safe and environmentally sound offshore energy development," said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich.

21 Apr 2011

CSB Still Investigating Deepwater Horizon Spill

The following statement was released from U.S. Chemical Safety Board Chairman Dr. On the one-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig accident I would like to take this opportunity to remember the 11 workers who were killed as a result of this catastrophic explosion and fire. We also wish to express our condolences to the families and coworkers whose lives will be forever impacted. The CSB’s investigation of this accident continues to examine a number of critical offshore oil and gas process safety issues. Currently CSB investigators are focusing on evaluating physical evidence, including participating in the first phase of the blowout preventer testing.

18 Apr 2011

BOEMRE Seeking First-Time Environmental Enforcement Officer and Chief of Regulations

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today announced it is seeking to fill two key positions for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), one of the two new bureaus that will start operating on Oct. 1, 2011, as part of the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). The positions to be filled are a first-ever Environmental Enforcement Officer and the Regulations Development Branch Supervisor.

11 Apr 2011

BOEMRE New Positions to Further Regulatory Reform

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) formally announced its search for qualified leaders to fill two senior positions to further offshore oil and gas regulatory reform efforts. The first position is the Director of the Offshore Training Center, and the second is the Division Chief for the Oil Spill Response Division. Both positions are being advertised nationally to recruit the most qualified professionals to establish new organizations in the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), one of two new bureaus being created as part of the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service. BSEE is the new bureau responsible for regulation and enforcement of offshore activities.

14 Feb 2011

President’s 2012 Budget: $358.4 M for BOEMRE

President Barack Obama today announced his request for $358.4 million to fund the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) in fiscal year 2012. This represents a $119.3 million, or 50 percent, increase above the 2010 enacted level, after adjusting for funding transferred to the Office of the Secretary as part of the ongoing reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). The budget is designed to implement critical organizational and regulatory reforms in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, so that domestic offshore energy resources are developed in a safe and responsible manner.

19 Oct 2010

BOEM Director Bromwich on Aggressive Reforms

BOEM Director Michael R. Bromwich delivered a keynote address at the International Regulators Forum (IRF) Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. During his visit, Director Bromwich met individually with his counterparts from the offshore regulating agencies from Australia, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom to discuss issues of mutual interest. “Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today. “I am the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement – the agency responsible for regulating oil and gas exploration and development on the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. “Let me begin by thanking our Conference host, Canada’s Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and in particular Mr.

13 Sep 2010

New Recommended Practices for U.S. BOP Compliance

In order to support the oil and gas industry in complying with the US Department of Interior’s new regulations for immediate re-certification of subsea BOP (blow-out preventer) stacks, DNV has issued a Recommended Practise guiding owners and operators through requirements and technical aspects. As one of the responses to the Deepwater Horizon accident, the US Department of Interior former Minerals Management Service issued increased safety measures for energy development on the outer continental shelf. Oil companies have complained about the lack of clarity over the new rules. “To support the industry with guidance and a tool for the re-certification DNV…

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