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. 

BSEE 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 BSEE 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 BSEE regulatory actions.

Notices, Letters, and Information to Lessees – Communications with operators and contractors that further clarify regulations.

Safety Alerts - Safety Alerts are tools used by BSEE to inform the offshore oil and gas industry of the circumstances surrounding an incident or a near miss. They also contain recommendations that should help prevent the recurrence of such an incident on the OCS.

Regulations.gov – a U.S. government web site that enables the public to review and submit comments on Federal documents.

Permits 

BSEE Federal Regulations  

BSEE Governing Statutes