Ocean Energy Bureau Refreshes Offshore Renewables Paperwork Rules
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management wants to update and renew its paperwork rules for companies working on renewable energy and reusing old facilities out on the ocean shelf. This affects businesses involved in offshore wind, solar, and other clean energy projects, asking them to provide info in a clearer, easier way. Comments on these changes are open until January 2, 2026, helping keep the process smooth and efficient without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Renewed BOEM Paperwork Rule for Ocean Energy
If your company pursues renewable energy or alternate uses on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), BOEM is renewing and revising the information collection under OMB Control Number 1010-0176. The rule requires using forms BOEM-0002 through BOEM-0006 and is mandatory; BOEM estimates 483 annual responses, 81,104 annual burden hours, and $43,198,584 in annual non-hour costs.
Large Plan Submissions Drive Most Burden
Submitting Site Assessment Plans (SAPs), Construction and Operations Plans (COPs), and General Activities Plans (GAPs) creates the bulk of the paperwork and costs. BOEM's table shows COP-related work for 6 projects accounting for 67,710 hours and $40,444,584 in non-hour costs tied to complying with terms and conditions.
Bonds, Rents, and Large Payment Rules
Companies must provide financial assurance (bonds or other security) and make specific payments: the winning bidder must pay the first 12 months' rent within 45 calendar days, BOEM lists a $4,000 processing fee example, and study payments example of $2,750,000. BOEM also requires surety notices within 5 business days and may require additional assurance within 45 days if coverage falls short.
Consolidation of OMB Control Numbers
BOEM will roll the annual burdens previously under OMB Control Number 1010-0195 into Control Number 1010-0176 and discontinue 1010-0195. After this change, companies will submit required information under OMB Control Number 1010-0176 only.
Presidential Hold May Reduce Future Burden
The notice cites the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum that temporarily withdrew areas from offshore wind leasing; BOEM says the hold on wind leasing means it will likely see a decrease in annual burden hours on future ICR renewals. This affects expected future paperwork volume for companies working on wind leasing.
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