The U.S. Interior Department today announced its decision to hold no more than three Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas lease sales through 2029, stating that the program is consistent with statutory requirements mandating offshore oil and gas lease sales as a precondition to offshore wind energy leasing. The announcement also noted that the 2024-2029 offshore oil and gas [...]
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DOI Announces Offshore O&G Leasing Program, Holds Lease Sale
The U.S. Interior Department today announced its decision to hold no more than three Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas lease sales through 2029, stating that the program is consistent with statutory requirements mandating offshore oil and gas lease sales as a precondition to offshore wind energy leasing. The announcement also noted that the 2024-2029 offshore oil and gas [...]
WH Benefit-Cost Analysis Report Cites 30×30, Natural Capital Accounting
During a White House roundtable today co-hosted by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and Council of Economic Advisers, Biden administration officials and members of the academic community discussed the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Subcommittee on the Frontiers of Benefit-Cost Analysis report on “Advancing the Frontiers of Benefit-Cost Analysis: [...]
Ocean Research Advisory Panel Holds Post-Reauthorization Inaugural Meeting
The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) today concluded its first meeting since its reauthorization in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. ORAP is tasked with advising the Ocean Policy Committee on areas including national ocean research priorities; implementation of the implement the National Oceanographic Partnership Program; national oceanographic science, engineering, facilities, and resource requirements; improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in [...]
DOI Proposes Central Atlantic Offshore Wind Lease Sale
The Interior Department today announced its decision to propose an offshore wind lease sale covering two areas in the Central Atlantic that span ~278,000 acres of federal waters off Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. According to DOI, the areas have the potential to provide electricity to over 2.2 million homes. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland called the announcement “another step [...]
White House Announces Joint Statement on Natural Capital Accounting
The White House today announced a Joint Statement with the Governments of Australia and Canada on an agreement to establish the Partnership on Cooperation on Natural Capital Accounting, Environmental Economic Accounting, and Related Statistics, and develop a common approach to natural capital accounting, environmental-economic accounting, and environmental-economic statistics. Among other things, the initial Partnership participants noted the importance of [...]
NOAA Announces Arctic Climate Data Funding Opportunity
NOAA and the Commerce Department today announced a $1 million funding opportunity for competitive grants to help improve Arctic climate data and information products. Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo said that the funding “will provide communities with data and tools to make informed decisions that can build climate resilience and strengthen our economy and national security.” Applications are due [...]
Biden Administration Releases U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy
The White House Council on Environmental Quality today announced the release of the U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy. With a vision focused on equitable access to the benefits of a healthy and resilient ocean and sustainable ocean economy, meaningful engagement of all communities in federal ocean activities, recognition of the value of engagement with tribal nations, indigenous peoples, and [...]
EPA Announces Availability of Funding for Gulf of Mexico Projects
The Environmental Protection Agency today announced the availability of $30 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Gulf of Mexico watershed projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects, which must be located in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas include projects that support water quality improvement; habitat protection, enhancement, and restoration; environmental education; and community resilience. Applications are due [...]
Comments Sought on Western AK Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program
The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking comments by Monday, Mar. 4 on its request for input from the public on the establishment of vessel response plan planning criteria for the Western Alaska and Prince William Sound Captain of the Port zones. The planning criteria are required under the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of [...]
