Overview of OCS Regulations

The Secretary of Interior has been designated by law to manage and regulate leasing, exploration, development, and production of mineral resources on the OCS. All proposed Federal actions and gas and oil operations are subject to stringent oversight by numerous applicable Federal laws, BOEMRE regulations, and coordination mandates.

Possible SOO Regulations Related to HT/HP Equipment Workshop Presentations from January 23, 2008:

• Unlocking Technology and Geologic Challenges in the Gulf of Mexico, by Lauren Segal and Mike Jennings, BP
• Shell’s View on Deepwater Development and SOO HP/HT Equipment, by Charlie Williams, Shell
• Stretching the Technology Envelope, by J. Keith Couvillion, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Related MMS Publication:

• Regulatory Compliance for OCS Oil and Gas Operations, OCS Report MMS 96-0039, is under revision.

Auxillary Links:

• Code of Federal Regulations (searchable)
• GPO Searchable Database
• Federal Register: Database for the 1994 to current Federal Register (Volumes 59 to most current). Official publication for Presidential Documents and Executive Orders as well as Notices, Rules and Proposed Rules from Federal Agencies and Organizations.

The listing provided below serves as a brief listing of the major statutes, and is not comprehensive.
NOTE: The following information is summary material, and is not meant to represent the exact text of the laws or regulations.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AUTHORITIES DIRECTLY AFFECTING OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES

• Environmental Safeguards
  

• Overview of OCS Regulations
  

• Exploration Plans
  
• Development and Production Plans
  
• Oil Spill Contingency Plans
  
• Hydrogen Sulfide Contingency Plans
  
• Environmental Information
  
• Air Emissions Information
  
• Archaeological Resources Regulation
  
• Structure Removal
  
• Site Clearance

• Permits and Applications
  
  • Wells
    
  • Platforms
    
  • Production Facilities
    
  • Pipelines
    
• Lease Stipulations
  

• Other Environmental and Safety Controls
  
  • Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf--Document Incorporated by Reference-American Petroleum Institute's Specification 2C for Offshore Cranes
  • Notices, Letters, and Information to Lessees and Operators
    
  • Conditions of Approval
    
    
• Enforcement Measures
  • Inspections
    
  • Suspension of Operations
    
  • Cancellation of Leases
    
  • Remedies and Penalties
• Federal Compensation for Damages or Pollution
  • The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
    
  • Fishermen's Contingency Fund
    
  • Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Regulations
• Presale Activities Federal/State Coordination
  
• Geological and Geophysical Exploration Regulations/Coordination
  
• Coastal Zone Management Act Review