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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from BOEM)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Agency overview
FormedOctober 1, 2011 (2011-10-01)
Preceding agency
DissolvedJuly 10, 2026 (2026-07-10)
Superseding agency
  • Marine Minerals Administration
HeadquartersMain Interior Building
Washington, D.C.
Employees610
Annual budget$212 m USD (2024)
Agency executive
  • Matthew Giacona, Acting Director
Parent agency
Department of the Interior
Websitewww.boem.gov

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) was an agency within the United States Department of the Interior, established in 2010 by Secretarial Order. BOEM was a small agency tasked with managing approximately 3.2 billion acres of the seabed.

On May 19, 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial Order dividing the Minerals Management Service (MMS) into three independent entities: BOEM, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue.[1] BOEM’s core statutory authority was the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 (OCSLA), which establishes the federal framework for managing and leasing offshore mineral and energy resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

In addition to the OCS Lands Act, the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) of 1953 grants individual states rights to the natural resources of submerged lands from the coastline to no more than 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) into the Atlantic, Pacific, the Arctic Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico. The only exceptions are Texas and the west coast of Florida, where state jurisdiction extends from the coastline to no more than 3 marine leagues (16.2 km) into the Gulf of Mexico.[2]

On July 10, 2026, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued Secretarial Order 3451, establishing the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) and reuniting the functions of BOEM and BSEE within a single organization. The reorganization consolidated offshore resource planning, leasing, permitting, inspections, safety enforcement, and environmental oversight while preserving the agencies’ existing statutory authorities and regulations.[3]

Mission

[edit]

BOEM's stated mission is to "manage development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way."[4]

Hydrocarbons

[edit]

The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is a significant source of oil and gas for the nation's energy supply. As of May 1, 2021, BOEM managed about 2,287 active oil and gas leases on approximately 12.1 million OCS acres.[5] As of 2026, the U.S. OCS was responsible for approximately 15% of U.S. oil production, or about 2 million barrels per day.[6]

BOEM is responsible for the development of the National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program (National OCS Program), which establishes a five-year schedule of oil and gas lease sales in federal waters. The schedule includes the size, timing, and location of potential oil and gas leasing activity. In general, the process begins with a Request for Information and culminates with the approval of a National OCS Program, with multiple drafts and opportunities to comment in between.[7]

BOEM is responsible for publication of the National Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, an estimate of the undiscovered, technically and economically recoverable oil and natural gas resources outside of known oil and gas fields on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. The National Assessment, published every five years, represents the U.S. government's current understanding of the distribution of undiscovered oil and gas resources on the OCS, and helps identify opportunities for additional oil and gas exploration and development on the OCS.[8] The results are presented as both Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Resources (UTRR) and Undiscovered Economically Recoverable Resources (UERR). The assessment utilizes a geologic play-based approach that incorporates a complete analysis of geologic and petroleum system elements for the UTRR, and an assessment of engineering and economic considerations for the calculation of the UERR. DOI has released an Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources on the U.S. OCS regularly since 1975.[9]

BOEM's 2026 assessment estimated a mean Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Resource of 65.80 billion barrels of oil and 218.43 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf.[10]

Renewable energy

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In 2009, the Department of the Interior announced the final regulations for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Renewable Energy Program, which was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). These regulations provide a framework for issuing leases, easements and rights-of-way for OCS activities that support production and transmission of energy from sources other than oil and natural gas.

In 2024, BOEM and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) finalized the Renewable Energy Modernization Rule, the first major update to the federal offshore renewable energy regulations since 2009. The rule revised DOI’s OCS renewable energy framework under 30 C.F.R. Parts 585 and 586 to better reflect a mature offshore wind program, streamline project review and administration, clarify compliance obligations, and reduce costs. Key changes included reforms to offshore wind auction rules, a public renewable energy leasing schedule, more flexible survey and met-buoy requirements, updated project design and installation verification procedures, tailored financial assurance requirements, and clarified safety management system obligations. The final rule was published at 89 Fed. Reg. 42602 on May 15, 2024, and became effective July 15, 2024.[11]

Marine minerals

[edit]

BOEM is the only federal agency with the authority to lease marine minerals from the OCS, including responding to commercial requests for OCS minerals such as gold, manganese, or other hard minerals.[12] BOEM's Marine Minerals Program (MMP) also issues leases for sand, gravel, and/or shell resources from federal waters, with efforts focused on shore protection, beach nourishment, and wetland restoration, while prioritizing environmental oversight.[13]

Carbon sequestration

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Carbon sequestration (CS) refers to a process of storing captured carbon dioxide (CO2) that leads to a reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration activities can take many forms. One form of long-term storage is injection of captured CO2 into suitable underground geologic formations.[14]

On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law and gave the Department of the Interior the authority to grant a lease, easement, or right-of-way on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for long-term sequestration of carbon dioxide that would otherwise go into the atmosphere and contribute to further climate change. BOEM is working with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on a draft rule to implement this authority over the OCS CS projects.

Environmental studies

[edit]

BOEM's environmental program ensures that environmental protection is a foremost and indispensable consideration in BOEM's decision-making.[15]

BOEM uses science and law to inform its environmental analyses, conduct consultations, and design and conduct research. The environmental program informs three major areas that BOEM regulates on the outer continental shelf: oil and gas, renewable energy, and non-energy minerals such as sand and gravel or hard minerals.

Directors

[edit]

The agency's first director, serving from June 2010 to May 2014, was Tommy Beaudreau.[16] The second director was Abigail Ross Hopper, serving from January 2015 to January 2017.[17] From 2017 to 2021, deputy director Walter Cruickshank served as the acting director.

From February 2021 to January 2023, the director was Amanda Lefton.[18] In an announcement with United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on April 27, 2022, Lefton said that her agency would focus on efforts to promote offshore wind projects, saying that BOEM would work to "inspire confidence and demonstrate commitment" for lease planning and calling it her "number-one priority," National Fisherman reported.[19] In January 2023, Lefton announced her resignation, effective January 19.[20]

No. Picture Director Start date End date Refs. President(s) served under
1 Tommy Beaudreau June 2010 May 2014 [21] Barack Obama
acting Walter Cruickshank May 2014 January 6, 2015 [22]
2 Abigail Ross Hopper January 6, 2015 January 6, 2017 [23]
acting Walter Cruickshank January 6, 2017 February 2, 2021 Barack Obama
Donald Trump
Joe Biden
3 Amanda Lefton February 2, 2021 January 19, 2023 [24] Joe Biden
4 Elizabeth Klein January 19, 2023 January 20, 2025 [25]
acting Walter Cruickshank January 20, 2025 June 10, 2025 [26][27] Donald Trump
acting Matthew Giacona June 10, 2025 Present [28][29]

Shipwrecks

[edit]

BOEM keeps records of shipwrecks, to ensure the Nation's important historical sites are protected when offshore activities take place on the OCS. These shipwrecks, particularly when over fifty years old, may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places,[30] and any new wells or pipelines have to be studied for their potential effect on archaeological sites on the outer continental shelf.[31]

List of shipwrecks

[edit]

The BOEM maintains a list of shipwrecks and the location.

  • Northern Eagle (built 1857), a fishing schooner lost 1908-03-01[32]
  • Carrie Strong (lost 1916)
  • W.H. Marston (lost 1927)
  • Western Empire was abandoned during a hurricane on September 18, 1875. Further research ruled out the wreck as the Western Empire, and it is now believed to be a naval ship (now referred to as the BOEMRE Vessel ID No. 359) that may have been used as a merchant vessel.[33]
  • Nokomis (lost 1905)

World War II shipwrecks

[edit]

There were over 100 attacks on ships in the Gulf of Mexico by German U-boats. Several were listed by the MMS and maintained by the BOEM.

The only known German U-boat to be sunk in the Gulf is U-166. After sinking the SS Robert E. Lee, the United States Navy patrol craft PC-566 reported hitting and sinking the submarine. This was questioned, and the sinking was attributed to a United States Coast Guard Grumman G-44 Widgeon that reported an attack over 100 miles away, thought to be the U-166. In 2001 the wreckage of U-166 was identified near the wreckage of the Robert E. Lee, and in 2014 the record was set straight that PC-566 had actually sunk U-166. In 2014 the position, 28°37′N 90°45′W / 28.617°N 90.750°W / 28.617; -90.750, was designated a war grave.[39]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "The Reorganization Of The Former MMS | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  2. ↑ "U.S. State Submerged Lands". hub.marinecadastre.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  3. ↑ "Department of the Interior Begins Transition to Marine Minerals Administration | U.S. Department of the Interior". www.doi.gov. 2026-04-03. Retrieved 2026-07-10.
  4. ↑ "About BOEM | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-04-13.
  5. ↑ "Oil and Gas Energy | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-04-13.
  6. ↑ "Crude Oil Production". www.eia.gov. Archived from the original on 2026-06-10. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  7. ↑ "About BOEM | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  8. ↑ "BOEM Releases 2026 National Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  9. ↑ "Undiscovered Resources | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  10. ↑ "2026 Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources of the United States Outer Continental Shelf | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  11. ↑ "GovInfo". www.govinfo.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  12. ↑ "Marine Minerals | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-04-13.
  13. ↑ "Marine Minerals | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  14. ↑ "Carbon Sequestration | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Archived from the original on 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  15. ↑ "Environment | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". www.boem.gov. Retrieved 2026-04-13.
  16. ↑ "Past Directors". BOEM. Archived from the original on 4 March 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  17. ↑ "Abigail Ross Hopper, Director". BOEM. Archived from the original on 1 March 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "Director". BOEM. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  19. ↑ "BOEM issues offshore wind call areas for central Atlantic, Oregon waters". National Fisherman. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  20. ↑ Volcovici, Valerie (January 10, 2023). "U.S. Interior Department names Elizabeth Klein to oversee offshore energy". Reuters. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Interior Department Completes Reorganization of the Former MMS". DOI. September 30, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Cruickshank takes lead at BOEM". Offshore Engineer. May 16, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Secretary Jewell Names Maryland Energy Administrator Abigail Ross Hopper as Director of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". DOI. December 18, 2014.
  24. ↑ "BOEM Announces Amanda Lefton as New Director". BOEM. February 5, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Elizabeth Klein Named Director of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management". DOI. January 10, 2023.
  26. ↑ Ferry, Tim (February 12, 2025). "Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management confirms deputy now in charge and that it is preparing to carry out new president's reviews". Recharge.
  27. ↑ Danenberger, Elmer Peter III (June 10, 2025). "Congratulations Walter Cruickshank!". Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE).
  28. ↑ "Trump to Appoint Oil and Gas Lobbyist to Oversee Offshore Drilling". Public Citizen. April 2, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  29. ↑ Lefebvre, Ben (2025-04-01). "Interior replaces longtime head of offshore energy agency with lobbyist". E&E News. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  30. ↑ "36 CFR § 60.4". National Archives. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  31. ↑ Google books Archived 2022-10-17 at the Wayback Machine: pp 3-179 & 3-180 (table 3-39 and 3-40), Proposed Use of Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading Systems On the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf - Retrieved 2017-02-19
  32. ↑ FV Northern Eagle - Retrieved 2017-02-19
  33. ↑ "Western Empire" Shipwreck Archived 2021-10-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2021-05-28.
  34. ↑ SS Gulfoil- Retrieved 2017-02-19
  35. ↑ SS Gulfpenn- Retrieved 2017-02-19
  36. ↑ SS Robert E. Lee Archived 2021-08-16 at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 2017-02-19
  37. ↑ SS Alcoa Puritan Archived 2008-05-06 at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 2017-02-19
  38. ↑ SS Amapala- Retrieved 2017-02-19
  39. ↑ MMS Ensures Nation's Historic Shipwrecks are Protected as Archaeologists Share in U-Boat Discovery Archived 2016-12-27 at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 2017-02-19
[edit]
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