The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced today the publication of its Final Rule to extend time requirements for submitting a Site Assessment Plan (SAP) or a General Activities Plan (GAP) for renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Effective 30 days after Federal Register publication, all OCS renewable energy lessees and grantees will have 12 months from lease or grant issuance in which to submit a SAP or GAP. Previously, BOEM regulations required lessees and grantees to submit a SAP or a GAP either 60 days after BOEM determined there was no competitive interest in the lease or grant, or six months after the lease or grant was issued competitively. "Renewable energy is an important part of our nation's energy strategy," said BOEM Director Tommy P.