Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf

Abstract

The Department of the Interior (DOI or the Department), acting through BOEM and BSEE, is revising and adding new requirements to regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) seaward of the State of Alaska. This final rule focuses solely on the OCS within the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas (Arctic OCS). The Arctic region is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, geographic remoteness, and a relative lack of fixed infrastructure and existing operations. This final rule is designed to help ensure the safe, effective, and responsible exploration of Arctic OCS oil and gas resources, while protecting the marine, coastal, and human environments, and Alaska Natives' cultural traditions and access to subsistence resources.

Action & Dates

Action: Final rule.
Dates: This rule becomes effective on September 13, 2016.
Effective Date: 2016-09-13

CFR References

30 CFR Part 250 30 CFR Part 254 30 CFR Part 550

Topics

Administrative practice and procedureContinental shelfEnvironmental impact statementsEnvironmental protectionGovernment contractsIncorporation by referenceIntergovernmental relationsInvestigationsOil and gas explorationOil pollutionPenaltiesPipelinesReporting and recordkeeping requirementsSulfur

Document Excerpt

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 Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 30 CFR Parts 250, 254, and 550 30 CFR Part 550 [Docket ID: BSEE-2013-0011; 16XE1700DX EX1SF0000.DAQ000 EEEE500000] RIN 1082-AA00 AGENCY: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE); Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (DOI or the Department), acting through BOEM and BSEE, is revising and adding new requirements to regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) seaward of the State of Alaska. This final rule focuses solely on the OCS within the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas (Arctic OCS). The Arctic region is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, geographic remoteness, and a relative lack of fixed infrastructure and existing operations. This final rule is designed to help ensure the safe, effective, and responsible exploration of Arctic OCS oil and gas resources, while protecting the marine, coastal, and human environments, and Alaska Natives' cultural traditions and access to subsistence resources. DATES: This rule becomes effective on September 13, 2016. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 13, 2016. ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble a…

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Citation: 81 FR 46478