Regulations and Guidance

In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, the Obama Administration put in place significant new safeguards to protect the environment beyond what has ever existed before. These new safety measures include heightened drilling safety standards to reduce the chances that a loss of well control might occur in the first place, as well as a new focus on containment capabilities in the event of an oil spill. 

BOEM offshore leasing and operations are governed by a wide variety of laws, regulations, and other communications with the offshore industry. The Bureau enforces compliance with these regulations and periodically updates rules to reflect advancements in technology and new information. This section provides access to BOEM rules, regulations, and guidance to the offshore industry.

• Regulatory Reform - In response to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama Administration launched the most aggressive and comprehensive reforms to offshore oil and gas regulation and oversight in U.S. history. 
• Federal Register Notices – Notices, Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, and Final Rules for BOEM regulatory actions.
• Notices, Letters, and Information to Lessees – Communications with operators and contractors that further clarify regulations.
• BOEM Federal Regulations 
• BOEM Governing Statutes