The Interior Dept. today announced the formal transfer of authority from the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to DOI’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement for the lead oversight of oil and gas platform decommissioning in the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Acting Asst. Interior Sec. for Land & Minerals Management Adam Suess called the transfer “a strong example of interagency collaboration to streamline permitting and promote responsible energy development while honoring our commitment to environmental protection,” adding that by leveraging BSEE’s expertise, “we can ensure that offshore decommissioning activities within the sanctuary are conducted safely and efficiently.”
BSEE Principal Deputy Director Kenneth Stevens said the announcement “exemplifies our commitment to streamlining processes, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, and promoting energy production in alignment with strong environmental protections,” stating that “[e]arly coordinating between NOAA and BSEE will ensure clarity and efficiency, establishing agreed-upon mitigation measures and providing a streamlined regulatory pathway for permittees.”
Designated in 2024, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is located in ~4,500 square miles of federal waters off the coast of Central California.