- Functions of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Energy Sector
- Challenges Facing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The United States has one of the world’s largest ocean territories, with over 3.4 million square miles of ocean waters within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
These waters contain vast natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources like wind and wave power.
However, these resources must be extracted responsibly to minimize their impact on the marine environment and wildlife.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is the agency responsible for managing offshore energy resources and balancing energy needs with environmental protection in America’s oceans.
In this article, we will explore the role and functions of BOEM, its history, and its impact on the energy sector and the environment.
History and Background of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The BOEM was established in 2010 as a separate agency within the Department of the Interior.
Before that, its responsibilities were part of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), which was responsible for managing the nation’s natural gas, oil, and mineral resources on federal lands and waters.
However, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which was the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, revealed serious deficiencies in the MMS’s regulatory framework and its enforcement practices.
In response to the disaster, President Obama issued an Executive Order to split the MMS into three separate agencies: the BOEM, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR).
The BOEM’s primary responsibility is to manage the nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources in an environmentally responsible manner, while the BSEE is responsible for enforcing safety and environmental regulations for offshore oil and gas operations, and the ONRR is responsible for collecting and disbursing revenues from federal energy and mineral leases.
Functions of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The BOEM has a wide range of responsibilities, including leasing, planning, and managing offshore energy resources. Some of its primary functions include:
Leasing and Permitting:
The BOEM is responsible for leasing federal waters for offshore oil and gas exploration and development.
It conducts lease sales, evaluates lease applications, and issues permits for exploration and development activities.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management also conducts environmental reviews of lease sales and exploration activities to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Planning and Resource Evaluation:
The BOEM develops and updates five-year leasing programs that identify areas for future offshore oil and gas leasing.
These plans are based on an assessment of the nation’s energy needs, the potential environmental impacts of offshore development, and public input.
The BOEM also conducts resource evaluations to assess the quantity and quality of oil and gas resources in federal waters.
Environmental Stewardship:
The BOEM is responsible for ensuring that offshore oil and gas activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
It conducts environmental reviews of lease sales, exploration activities, and development plans to assess potential impacts on the marine environment and wildlife.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management also works with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation measures to protect marine resources.
Renewable Energy:
The BOEM is responsible for managing renewable energy development in federal waters.
It conducts lease sales for offshore wind energy projects and evaluates permit applications for other renewable energy projects, such as wave and tidal energy.
The BOEM also conducts environmental reviews of renewable energy projects to assess potential impacts on the marine environment and wildlife.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Energy Sector
The BOEM plays a critical role in the nation’s energy sector by managing offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy resources.
Offshore oil and gas development is a significant contributor to the nation’s energy supply, providing about 15% of U.S. oil production and 5% of natural gas production.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s leasing and permitting process ensures that these resources are extracted responsibly, while also generating revenue for the federal government.
In 2020, the BOEM generated over $3 billion in revenue from offshore oil and gas leasing and production.
Renewable energy development is also a growing sector in the United States, and the BOEM is at the forefront of managing offshore renewable energy resources.
The agency has issued 17 commercial wind energy leases in federal waters off the Atlantic coast, and several projects are in various stages of development.
These projects have the potential to provide clean energy to millions of households, create thousands of jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Environmental Protection
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s mandate to balance energy needs with environmental protection is essential for maintaining the health of the marine environment and wildlife.
The agency has taken several measures to ensure that offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy development is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
For example, the BOEM requires environmental reviews for all lease sales, exploration activities, and development plans.
These reviews assess potential impacts on marine resources and identify measures to mitigate those impacts.
The agency also works closely with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation measures, such as protected areas, to protect marine wildlife and their habitats.
The BOEM has also taken steps to promote renewable energy development in federal waters.
By developing a regulatory framework for offshore wind energy projects, the BOEM has created a predictable and transparent process for developers, while also ensuring that these projects are developed responsibly.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Future
As the United States transitions to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, the BOEM will continue to play a critical role in managing offshore energy and mineral resources.
The agency’s focus on balancing energy needs with environmental protection will remain essential in ensuring that offshore development is conducted responsibly and sustainably.
In the coming years, the BOEM will likely play a more significant role in promoting offshore renewable energy development.
With the Biden administration’s goal of generating 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, the agency will need to manage lease sales and permitting for a significant increase in renewable energy projects.
Challenges Facing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
While the BOEM plays a critical role in managing the nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources, the agency faces several challenges.
One significant challenge is balancing energy development with environmental protection.
While the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has taken several steps to promote responsible offshore development, there is still concern about the impact of oil and gas exploration and production on marine ecosystems.
Another challenge facing the BOEM is the potential for conflicts between energy development and other uses of the ocean, such as commercial fishing and recreational activities.
The agency must balance these competing interests while ensuring that all ocean users have access to these resources.
International Cooperation
The BOEM works closely with international partners to promote responsible offshore energy and mineral development.
The agency participates in several international organizations, including the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, the International Energy Agency, and the North Sea Offshore Authorities Forum.
These partnerships allow the BOEM to share best practices, promote regulatory cooperation, and address common challenges related to offshore energy development.
Technology and Innovation
Advances in technology have made it possible to extract energy and minerals from deeper waters and harsher environments.
The BOEM is committed to promoting technological innovation in offshore energy and mineral development to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
For example, the agency has invested in research and development to improve oil spill response and detection, which can help prevent or mitigate environmental damage.
Public Participation
The BOEM recognizes the importance of public participation in its decision-making processes. The agency solicits public comments on proposed lease sales, exploration plans, and development projects.
The BOEM also holds public meetings and workshops to provide information and gather feedback from stakeholders. These efforts help ensure that the agency’s decisions reflect the views and concerns of the public.
The Blue Economy
The concept of the blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources to promote economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
The BOEM plays a critical role in promoting the blue economy by managing the nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources, which can provide significant economic benefits.
In addition to oil and gas production, offshore renewable energy development has the potential to create jobs, attract investment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By promoting responsible offshore renewable energy development, the BOEM can help support the growth of the blue economy while also contributing to the nation’s clean energy goals.
The blue economy also includes other sectors, such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, which can provide significant economic benefits while also promoting environmental sustainability.
The BOEM works closely with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and stakeholders to balance the needs of these sectors while ensuring that offshore development is conducted responsibly.
The Role of Science in BOEM Decision Making
The BOEM relies heavily on scientific information to inform its decision-making processes.
The agency works with scientists and researchers to collect and analyze data on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and other aspects of the marine environment.
This information is used to inform environmental reviews, identify potential impacts of offshore development, and develop mitigation measures.
The BOEM also invests in research and development to address critical knowledge gaps and improve its decision-making processes.
For example, the agency has funded research on ocean acidification, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and the potential effects of offshore wind energy development on wildlife.
By incorporating the best available science into its decision-making processes, the BOEM can ensure that offshore energy and mineral development is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, promoting the health of marine ecosystems and the blue economy.
Wrapping Up: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management plays a critical role in managing the nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources while promoting environmental protection and economic growth.
The agency’s mission has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing energy landscape and the growing importance of environmental sustainability.
The BOEM faces significant challenges, including balancing energy development with environmental protection, addressing potential conflicts between different ocean uses, and promoting technological innovation while ensuring public participation in its decision-making processes.
However, the agency’s commitment to the best available science and stakeholder engagement has helped it navigate these challenges and make informed decisions that reflect the diverse perspectives and concerns of stakeholders.
