MMS Alternative Uses of the Offshore site

The United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS), has prepared a final programmatic EIS in support of the establishment of a program for authorizing alternative energy and alternate use (AEAU) activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), as authorized by Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), and codified in subsection 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The final programmatic EIS examines the potential environmental effects of the program on the OCS and identifies policies and best management practices that may be adopted for the program. Under the program, MMS has jurisdiction over AEAU projects on the OCS including, but not limited to: offshore wind energy, wave energy, ocean current energy, offshore solar energy, and hydrogen generation. MMS will also have jurisdiction over other projects that make alternate use of existing oil and natural gas platforms in Federal waters on the OCS.

 

Final Programmatic EIS Available

The Final Programmatic EIS is now available for downloading or browsing online. The Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is also available.

 

To visit the MMS website for Alternative Uses, please click here.

National Ocean Industries Association
1120 G Street, NW • Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202.347.6900 | Email: media@nullnoia.org