Interior Department, Minerals Management Service
This final rule restructures the requirements for oil and gas drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), adds some new requirements, and converts the regulations into plain language. The restructuring of the rule follows the logical sequence of obtaining approval to drill a well and conducting drilling operations. The final rule also removes overly prescriptive requirements and updates requirements to reflect changes in drilling technology. Restructuring the drilling requirements makes the regulations easier to read, understand, and follow. The technical changes will help ensure that lessees conduct operations in a safe manner.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service 30 CFR Part 250 RIN 1010-AC43 AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule restructures the requirements for oil and gas drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), adds some new requirements, and converts the regulations into plain language. The restructuring of the rule follows the logical sequence of obtaining approval to drill a well and conducting drilling operations. The final rule also removes overly prescriptive requirements and updates requirements to reflect changes in drilling technology. Restructuring the drilling requirements makes the regulations easier to read, understand, and follow. The technical changes will help ensure that lessees conduct operations in a safe manner. EFFECTIVE DATE: The rule is effective March 24, 2003. The incorporation by reference of publications listed in the regulation is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 24, 2003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Hauser, Engineering and Operations Division, at (703) 787-1613. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 21, 2000, we published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ( 65 FR 38453 ), titled “Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf—Oil and Gas Drilling Operations” to revise the subpart D regulations of part 250, with exception of the regulations on Hydrogen Sulfide under 30 CFR 250.417 . The proposed rule h…
Citation: 68 FR 8402
