Interior Department Transfers Offshore Wind Safety and Environmental Responsibilities to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

On January 17, 2023, the Department of the Interior announced a transfer of regulations governing offshore renewable energy activities from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (   BOEM) to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). These regulations overseen include workplace safety and environmental compliance activities.

In 2011, following the events of Deepwater Horizon, the Department of the Interior established BOEM and BSEE as new bureaus to manage the offshore energy, safety, and environmental oversight missions. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Laura Daniel-Davis, had this to say regarding this change of regulations, “Over the past several months, BOEM and BSEE have taken steps to ensure a seamless transition of functions related to safety and environmental protections for the offshore renewable energy program… This rule advances regulatory clarity and transparency for the offshore wind industry.” Daniel-Davis went on to say that this will also allow for a better focus from each bureau to ensure future development and for operations to continue in a safe and responsible manner.

This rulemaking does not make substantive changes to any of the current regulatory requirements, and it will not impose any additional regulatory burdens. Learn more about the authorities transferred to BSEE and which remain with BOEM at the article link below!

https://www.bsee.gov/newsroom/latest-news/statements-and-releases/press-releases/interior-department-finalizes-offshore