Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Environmental Studies (ES)

Objective

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) provides major economic and energy benefits on a national and local level to the taxpayers, states and the American Indian community. The BOEM oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy alternatives on the Nation’s outer continental shelf. BOEM continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the Nation receives the best value for its resources now and into the future. The program not only supports decisions made within the Department of Interior, but also provides coastal States and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. The purpose of the Environmental Studies Program is to obtain the information needed for the assessment and the management of environmental impacts; to predict impacts on marine biota; and to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments to provide time series and data trend information.

Who Can Apply

• State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals)
• Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)

State agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states may apply. More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance. Scientists from other institutions may participate in collaboration with a principal investigator from a State agency or public university.

Who Benefits

• Federal
• Anyone/general public
• Native American Organizations
• State

Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, Native American Organizations, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreements

Program Contact

rodney.cluck@boem.gov
(703) 787-1087