Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

"Supporting responsible and innovative management of offshore development."

"The environmental work at BOEM is done through a collaborative team spread across the bureau in every program and region. The Office of Environmental Programs provides overall program and policy direction and support for BOEM's environmental activities."

"Public involvement is an important component of evaluating impacts of proposed actions. BOEM consults, coordinates, and collaborates with governmental entities and stakeholders to gather information for decision-makers on ways to make informed decisions and minimize impacts of activities on the OCS."

"BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program (ESP) develops, funds, and manages rigorous scientific research specifically to establish information needed for assessing and managing environmental impacts of energy and mineral development on the human, marine, and coastal environments."

"Environmental stewardship is integral to BOEM’s mission to manage development of the Nation’s offshore resources: oil and gas, renewable energy, and marine minerals such as sand and gravel or critical minerals. BOEM conducts environmental assessments to evaluate the impacts of our actions by using science, engaging stakeholders, and working with government partners."

"Marine wildlife lives in an environment ideally suited for acoustic communication – most of the ocean is dark, and sound travels nearly five times faster in water than it does in air. Consequently, many marine animals use sound to navigate, communicate, find food, or defend territories."