The Gulf of Mexico

1
The Gulf of Mexico

• 97 of Federal OCS production.
• Nearly 7,000 active leases.
• 64 Deepwater
• 31 total domestic oil production.
• 11 total domestic natural gas production.

2
Relevant Federal Laws

• Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Oil Pollution Act (OPA)
• Includes the National Contingency Plan (NCP)
• Clean Water Act (CWA)
• Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)
• Endangered Species Act

3

• Federal Agencies With OCS Jurisdiction
• Minerals Management Service
• Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (Dept. of
  Interior)
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)
• U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
• Ocean and Coastal Management (NOAA)

4
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act

• Principle statute governing the development of
  oil and gas resources on the OCS.
• Established federal jurisdiction over submerged
  lands on the OCS seaward of state boundaries.
• Goal The OCS is a vital national resource
  reserve held by the Federal Government for the
  public, which should be made available for
  expeditious and orderly development, subject to
  environmental safeguards, in a manner which is
  consistent with the maintenance of competition
  and other national needs.

5
OCSLA Leasing Structure

• Oil and Gas leases occur in 4 stages
• Development of 5 year leasing plan.
• Issuance of oil and gas leases.
• Approval of lessee exploration plan.
• Approval of lessee development and production
  plan.

6
GREAT BIG
KIND OF MEDIUM
LITTLE BITTY
7
OCSLA Shortcomings

• Lacks clear enforceable environmental and safety
  mandates.
• Only clear mandate allows Secretary to cancel
  lease if it would probably cause serious harm
  or damage to life (including aquatic), property,
  minerals, national security, or to the marine,
  coastal or human environment.
• No environmental protection or safety technology
  baselines.

8
(No Transcript)
9
BP Claims
10
ESA OBLIGATIONS

•  
•  
•