Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
may 2017
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energy
DOI reconsiders seismic surveying in the Atlantic
May 1, 2017
On May 10, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it will reconsider applications from ocean seismic survey companies to carry out geological and geophysical activities off the Atlantic coast. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke released Secretarial Order 3350 to further implement President Donald Trump’s executive order entitled “Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy,” and to enhance opportunities for offshore energy exploration and development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the United States.
President Trump’s executive order directs the Secretary of the Interior to consider revising the schedule of proposed oil and gas lease sales in each of the OCS Planning Areas, as designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The Secretary’s order directs BOEM to immediately initiate development of a new five-year program for offshore oil and gas exploration, and to establish a plan to expedite requests for seismic survey permits and other OCS activities for the Atlantic Ocean, despite the BOEM’s 2017-2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which removed the Atlantic and offshore Alaska from consideration for oil and gas leasing.
DOI announced on May 10 that it will continue reviewing applications from six companies seeking permits to explore the Atlantic with geological and geophysical (G&G) activities, including seismic surveys. According to Secretary Zinke, “Seismic surveying helps a variety of federal and state partners better understand our nation’s offshore areas, including locating offshore hazards, siting of wind turbines, as well as offshore energy development.” The Secretary’s order reverses a decision by the previous administration that ordered BOEM to deny G&G permitting applications for the Mid- and South-Atlantic OCS. The secretarial order does not force BOEM to approve the applications, but allows BOEM to resume its evaluation to determine whether they will be individually approved or denied.
Sources: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the Interior, E&E News, White House Office of the Press Secretary
Senator Rubio introduces bill to extend drilling suspension off Florida's coast
May 4, 2017
On May 4, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Florida Shores Protection and Fairness Act (S.1041). This bill would extend the current oil and gas leasing ban off Florida’s coast in the Gulf of Mexico from 2022 until 2027. It would also add Florida to the list of states that are able to receive a share of the revenue generated from drilling in the central and western portions of the Gulf.
The Gulf of Mexico Security Act of 2006 (S.3711) banned offshore energy exploration in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and allowed all of the Gulf producing states – meaning each of the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico except Florida – to share the benefits from qualified Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues. These funds can be used by the states for certain conservation and environmental protection efforts, including coastal restoration, hurricane protection, flood control, mitigation of damage to wildlife or natural resources, and infrastructure projects.
Senator Rubio wrote in the Pensacola News Journal that “Florida’s environment and economies are in danger of being affected by rare but major drilling accidents in the Gulf – even with the 125-mile ban in the current moratorium.” According to Senator Rubio, this bill would give Florida a new source of funding, and recognize that the people of Florida should share in some of the benefit as long as their shores are exposed to some of the risks of oil and gas exploration.
S.1041 was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sources: Pensacola News Journal, Library of Congress, U.S. Senate
DOE seeks public feedback on limiting regulatory costs
May 30, 2017
The Department of Energy (DOE) requests public comments and information regarding the implementation of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13771, “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs.” Published in the Federal Register on May 30, the DOE’s proposed rule asks for assistance to identify existing regulations, paperwork requirements, and other obligations that can be modified or repealed to reduce regulatory burdens.
Executive Order 13771 primarily targets federal regulations that impose unnecessary costs on both the public and private sectors in order to comply with regulatory requirements. The order seeks to ensure the government is acting in a financially responsible manner by managing and controlling regulations through a budgeting process. One of the various provisions included in the order requires executive branch departments and agencies to identify at least two existing regulations for repeal if they propose the establishment of any one new regulation.
The order also directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), during the Presidential budget process and for each fiscal year (FY) following FY 2018, to identify a total amount of incremental costs allowed for each agency in issuing new regulations and repealing regulations for the next year.
Comments must be submitted on or before July 14, 2017.
Source: Office of the Federal Register