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Air Regulations Affecting Exploration and Production: MMS Regulation of Offshore Activities in the Gulf of Mexico

Richard Defenbaugh
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123
e:mail richard_dfenbaugh@boemre.gov

Introduction

During the past few years, concerns about air emissions from OCS activities have gained higher visibility and more attention than before. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 passed responsibility for regulation of OCS air quality issues to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), except for the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico areas, which remain under Minerals Management Service (MMS) jurisdiction. Recent and ongoing studies have demonstrated to MMS managers a valid concern for the impact of OCS emissions on coastal areas. Existing regulations may eventually be limiting factors for leasing and development in certain highly sensitive areas of the Gulf.

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