Best Practices for Mission Applications

Geospatial Analysis of the Marine Environment Affected by Off-Shore Energy Development

—Norman Froomer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE)

The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is a significant source of oil and gas for the Nation's energy supply. The approximately 43 million leased OCS acres generally accounts for about 15 percent of America's domestic natural gas production and about 27 percent of America's domestic oil production. The OCS Lands Act requires the Department of the Interior (DOI) to prepare a 5-year program that specifies the size, timing and location of areas to be assessed for Federal offshore natural gas and oil leasing. That 5-year program is currently being renewed. This paper discusses the use of geospatial tools and data in the development of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to analyze the program and help to assure its ability to conserve resources, operate safely, and take maximum steps to protect the environment.