Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
february 2015
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energy
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management moves forward on Arctic leasing
February 12, 2015
On February 12, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released their final environmental review for oil and gas leases in the Chukchi Sea off the coast of Alaska. This release of the final supplemental environmental impact statement resolved deficiencies found in the 2007 environmental review conducted under the Bush Administration that had prevented lease holders from moving forward on drilling in the Chukchi Sea. This keeps leaseholder Royal Dutch Shell plc on track to pursue proposed drilling this summer.
The new BOEM assessment is based on a scenario projecting 4.3 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be produced from the Chukchi Sea leases. BOEM’s review suggests extracting this oil would require eight new platforms of Arctic-class design and 589 wells drilled for exploration, delineation, production and service.
Sources: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, E&E News
President Obama vetoes Keystone XL pipeline legislation
February 24, 2015
President Obama vetoed legislation authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline on February 24, following the bill’s recent passage by the House and Senate. This marks just the third time since he took office in 2008 that President Obama has used his veto power. Republicans intend to attempt an override of the veto, which would require votes from a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate. The President defended his decision, arguing that the bill circumvents the U.S. State Department process that determines whether it would be in the nation’s best interest. Following the State Department review, President Obama may make a final decision on pipeline approval any time in the next few months.
Sources: E&E news, Reuters
Obama Administration proposes new Arctic offshore drilling rules
February 20, 2015
On February 20, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in conjunction with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposed rules for future oil and gas drilling on 128 million acres in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas as allocated in the BOEM’s 2017-2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Plan. The proposed rules require region-specific oil spill response plans and immediately accessible spill control and containment equipment. Additionally, the rules mandate each Arctic drill site have a second, back-up oil rig available in case of a blow out, a requirement that was opposed by oil company representatives last fall.
Sources: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement, E&E News