A Comparative Study of Marine Mineral Resource Management Practices in the Context of Wind Energy Development with Countries in the North Atlantic Region

The Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for managing energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM’s mission is to promote economic development and energy independence while ensuring protection of the environment. The Marine Minerals Program (MMP) within BOEM provides negotiated agreements for OCS sediment resources used in coastal restoration efforts. The MMP continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the nation receives the best value for its resources now and into the future. The Program provides information to support decision-making not only within the Department of the Interior, but also to coastal states and local governments to ensure the responsible use of OCS resources for coastal restoration activities.The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates environmental and socioeconomic studies be conducted that are needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by offshore energy or other mineral development. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Section 1331 encourages state participation in policy and planning decisions related to OCS resources, including sand and gravel. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.Cooperative partnerships with states, through either a state agency or institution of higher learning, to conduct marine minerals investigations have successfully been completed since 1994