Media Coverage

The Interior Dept. today announced the distribution of over $353 million in FY 2022 energy revenues to the States of Texas ($95.4M), Louisiana ($156.1M), Mississippi ($51.8M), and Alabama ($~49.8M) and their coastal county/parish governments. Derived from offshore oil and gas production revenue, DOI noted that the distribution is the largest disbursement since the revenue-sharing payments began in 2009.

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced the availability of a peer-reviewed report synthesizing the current state of science on interactions between fisheries and offshore wind. Developed through a partnership involving the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the report was part of a broader project that included a symposium and series

The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking public input by Wednesday, June 28 on recommendations from the Maritime Oil Spill Response Plan Advisory Group’s recommendations for changes to the Coast Guard’s Vessel Response Plan program and policies.  The recommendations were developed in response to an audit by the U.S. Government Accountability Office that was conducted pursuant to

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is currently seeking comments on its proposed modernization of regulations to facilitate offshore wind energy development.  Originally due Mar. 31, the comment deadline was later extended to Monday, May 1. The proposal rule includes provisions for incremental funding of decommissioning accounts, more flexible geophysical and geotechnical survey submission requirements, streamlined approval

The Coast Guard today announced the recertification of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, AK.  The recertification is effective for Mar. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024. The Council promotes environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska terminal and associated tankers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the availability of revised marine mammal stock assessment reports for two West Indian manatee stocks: the Florida manatee stock and Puerto Rico stock of the Antillean manatee.  The stock assessment reports were revised based on new information that became available in 2020.

The U.S. Energy Dept. today announced the release of an Offshore Wind Energy Strategy summarizing DOE’s efforts to advance offshore wind energy deployment in the United States.  The report specifically addresses efforts to reduce costs for fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind, support robust domestic supply chains, support transmission planning and infrastructure expansion, and promote storage and wind-to-fuel technologies.

NOAA today announced that it is seeking nominations by Friday, Apr. 28 to fill five vacancies starting Jan. 1, 2024 on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel.  Members will be appointed to 4-year terms. NOAA welcomes applications from individuals with expertise in hydrographic and marine navigation and technology, port administration, marine shipping or other intermodal transportation categories, cartography and

The Coast Guard is currently seeking comments by Thursday, Apr. 27 on its evaluation of the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and the need for additional routing measures for port approaches to Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass, TX and Calcasieu Pass, LA, and international and domestic transit areas in the 8th Coast Guard District area of responsibility.   Originally due Apr.

The State Dept. today announced the 2-year renewal of the Shipping Coordinating Committee.  The Committee provides the U.S. government and State Dept. with the views of industry and private citizens on a wide range of technical issues connected with shipping safety, security, and environmental protection, particularly with regard to U.S. participation at the International Maritime Organization.