Interior Eases Arctic Oil Drilling Rules for Safety and Speed
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), acting through BSEE and BOEM (collectively, "the Bureaus"), is proposing to revise its existing regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), to reduce unnecessary burdens on stakeholders while ensuring that energy exploration on the Arctic OCS is safe and environmentally responsible.\1\ This proposed rule would revise certain requirements promulgated through the rule entitled, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf ("2016 Arctic Exploratory Drilling Rule") (see 81 FR 46478). This proposed rule would modify existing Arctic OCS blowout preventer (BOP) real-time monitoring requirements and add new provisions to BSEE's regulations pertaining to requirements for crane operations on artificial islands, suspensions of operations (SOO), and suspensions of production (SOP). This proposed rule would also revise certain parts of the Exploration Plan (EP) and Development and Production Plan (DPP) regulations implemented by BOEM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Relief‑Rig and SSID Options; Staging Delay
For exploratory drilling from a MODU, operators would be allowed to use a Subsea Isolation Device (SSID) or have access to a relief rig as alternative means to secure a well after loss of control. Operators could also delay staging their relief rig until the "last casing point prior to penetrating a zone capable of flowing hydrocarbons in measurable quantities" (instead of staging below surface casing) if they document no abnormally high pressures or hazards. The rule would also remove an explicit reference to expected seasonal ice encroachment in the relief-rig/SSRW regulation.
Seasonal Suspensions of Operations (SOO) for Alaska
BSEE proposes a new rule allowing operators who are prevented from completing drilling leaseholding operations due to seasonal constraints unique to the Alaska OCS to obtain a Suspension of Operations (SOO). If granted, the SOO would suspend the running of the lease term and extend the affected lease by a period equivalent to the suspension.
Arctic OCS Definition Expanded
The rule would change the definition of the "Arctic OCS" to include all Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas planning areas that include any portion north of 66°33' N latitude. That change explicitly adds the new High Arctic Planning Area and the existing Hope Basin Planning Area to the Arctic OCS.
Option to Delay Capping Stack Positioning
Operators would be allowed to delay positioning a capping stack until they reach the "last casing point prior to penetrating a zone capable of flowing hydrocarbons in measurable quantities" if they can demonstrate to BSEE (via APD documentation) there are no abnormally high pressures or geological hazards. If positioned, the capping stack must be available to arrive at the well location within 24 hours after a loss of well control.
Remove 7‑Day Dome/Cap Positioning Requirement
BSEE proposes to eliminate the regulatory requirement that a containment dome and cap-and-flow system be positioned so they will arrive at the well location within 7 days after a loss of well control. BSEE would retain other requirements that operators demonstrate access to the equipment, meet operating standards, conduct tests/exercises, and keep records.
Align BOP Real‑Time Monitoring Rules
BSEE proposes to align Arctic blowout preventer (BOP) real-time monitoring requirements with the general BOP real-time monitoring rules that apply across the OCS, removing a separate, duplicative Arctic-specific set of requirements.
Integrated Operations Plan (IOP) Requirement Removed
BOEM proposes to eliminate the requirement that an operator submit an Integrated Operations Plan (IOP) at least 90 days before filing an Exploration Plan (EP) for Arctic exploratory drilling. BOEM would move some IOP information requirements into the EP rules and delete the remaining IOP-only requirements.
Mudline Cellar Requirement Clarified
BSEE proposes to clarify that in areas of ice scour an operator must use a mudline cellar designed to minimize risk to the wellhead and wellbore, but the rule would not be read to require a mudline cellar in all cases. Operators can propose alternate procedures or equipment under Sec. 250.141 if those alternatives provide equal or better safety and environmental protection.
Crane Rules for Artificial Islands Updated
BSEE proposes to address crane requirements for operations on artificial islands, noting that existing crane regulations were written for fixed offshore platforms and do not fit the mobile, land‑like cranes used on artificial islands. The rulemaking would add or revise requirements specific to those crane types used in the Alaska OCS region.
Remove Discretion to Require Capture of Water‑Based Muds
BSEE proposes to eliminate references to the Regional Supervisor's discretionary authority to require capture of water-based drilling muds and cuttings in cases where subsistence values might be impacted. The Bureau says the reference created uncertainty and could overlap or conflict with EPA regulation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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