The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has formally established two new, independent bureaus – the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) – to carry out the offshore energy management and safety and environmental oversight missions currently under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). The establishment of BOEM and BSEE will mark the completion of an effort to reorganize the former Minerals Management Service (MMS).
DOI Secretary Ken Salazar signed a secretarial order in May 2010 that directed the MMS into three separate organizations – BSEE, BOEM and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) – each with separate and clearly defined missions. MMS was renamed BOEMRE in June 2010. ONRR became a separate office under the assistant secretary for Policy, Management and Budget on Oct. 1, 2010.
Michael Bromwich, who has served as the BOEMRE director since its creation in June 2010, will lead the BSEE until an ongoing national search for a permanent director has been completed.
The BSEE will be responsible for safety and environmental oversight of offshore oil and gas operations, including permitting and inspections.
The BOEM, which will be led by Tommy P. Beaudreau, will be responsible for managing environmentally and economically responsible development of the nation's offshore resources. Its functions will include offshore leasing, resource evaluation, review and administration of oil and gas exploration and development plans, renewable energy development, National Environmental Policy Act analysis and environmental studies.
