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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04517 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations
The Department of the Interior is proposing new rules to make it easier and cheaper for companies drilling for oil, gas, and sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf to prove they can cover cleanup costs. These changes will lower the extra money companies must set aside, freeing up about $6.2 billion to invest back into energy projects. The updates affect current and future leaseholders and grant holders and aim to boost American energy while keeping the environment safe.
2026-05319 — Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Platform Gilda Well Stimulation Treatment
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is getting ready to study how boosting oil and gas production by using hydraulic fracturing on 16 wells at Platform Gilda, offshore California, might affect the environment. They want to hear from everyone—local communities, governments, and tribes—before making decisions. Comments are open until March 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!
2026-03973 — Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales in the Northern, Central, and Southern California Program Areas
The government is getting ready to study how new oil and gas lease sales off California’s coast might affect the environment. This affects people in Northern, Central, and Southern California, with lease sales planned soon that could bring changes to local communities and ecosystems. They want your thoughts by March 30, 2026, as they plan these sales and figure out the best way forward.
2025-22767 — Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf
This update fixes a small but important mistake in the rules about oil, gas, and sulfur operations on the Outer Continental Shelf, especially in the Arctic areas like the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. It mainly affects companies working offshore by clarifying definitions to keep things clear and running smoothly. No new costs or deadlines—just a tidy correction to keep the rulebook sharp and ready.
2025-19852 — Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands-Request for Information and Interest
The government is asking companies and the public if they're interested in mining minerals offshore near the Northern Mariana Islands. This is the first step before any actual leasing happens, and they want your thoughts by December 12, 2025. If things move forward, it could open up new business opportunities and jobs in the area, but no money changes hands yet.
2025-19828 — Gulf of America OCS Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 1
On December 10, 2025, the government will hold a big lease sale for oil and gas drilling spots in the Gulf of America’s Outer Continental Shelf. Companies wanting to bid must submit their offers by December 9. This sale follows new rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aiming to keep things fair and clear while opening up opportunities for energy development and government revenue.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21801 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Financial Responsibility for Licensed Launch Activities
The FAA wants to keep collecting info from companies that launch rockets to make sure they have enough money to cover any accidents or damage. This helps protect people, property, and the government if something goes wrong during a launch. If you have thoughts, you can share them by January 2, 2026, so the FAA can keep things safe and fair without making extra work.
Next: 2025-21806 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until January 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in