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{{Infobox Government agency
{{Infobox government agency
|agency_name = Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
| agency_name = Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
|seal = BSEE logo.jpg
| seal = BSEEseal 2023.png
|seal_width =
| seal_width =
|headquarters = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| headquarters = [[Main Interior Building]]<br>[[Washington, D.C.]]
|formed = {{Start date|2011|10|01}}
| formed = {{Start date|2011|10|01}}
|preceding1 = [[Minerals Management Service]]
| preceding1 = [[Minerals Management Service]]
|coordinates =
| coordinates =
|employees = 881 FTE (2016)
| employees = 881 FTE (2016)
|budget = $204.6 million [[United States dollar|USD]] (2016)
| budget = $204.6 million [[United States dollar|USD]] (2016)
|chief1_name = '''Margaret Schneider'''
| chief1_name = Kathryn E. Kovacs
|chief1_position = Director (Acting)
| chief1_position = Director
|chief2_name =
| chief2_name =
|chief2_position =
| chief2_position =
|parent_agency = {{nowrap|[[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]]}}
| parent_agency = {{nowrap|[[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]]}}
|website = [http://www.bsee.gov/ www.bsee.gov]
| website = [http://www.bsee.gov/ www.bsee.gov]
|footnotes =
| footnotes =
| logo =
|logo=|jurisdiction=|chief3_name=|chief3_position=|chief4_name=|chief4_position=|chief5_name=|chief5_position=|chief6_name=|chief6_position=|chief7_name=|chief7_position=|chief8_name=|chief8_position=|chief9_name=|chief9_position=|parent_department=}}
| parent_department =
}}


The '''Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement''' ('''BSEE''') is an agency under the [[United States Department of the Interior]].<ref name="SO3299">{{Citation|last=Salazar|first=Ken|title=Secretarial Order Nº 3299|date=May 19, 2010|url=https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/444/Page1.aspx|authorlink=Ken Salazar|format=PDF|accessdate=May 21, 2010}}</ref> Established in 2011, BSSE is the lead agency in charge of improving safety and ensuring environmental protection relating to the offshore energy industry, mainly natural gas and oil, on the United States [[Outer Continental Shelf]] (OCS).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/who-we-are/about-us|title=About Us {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>&nbsp;The agency exercises the safety and environmental enforcement functions formerly under the [[Minerals Management Service]] including the authority to inspect, investigate, summon witnesses and produce evidence, levy penalties, cancel or suspend activities, and oversee safety, response, and removal preparedness.<ref name="SO3299" />
The '''Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement''' ('''BSEE''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɛ|s|i}} "Bessie") is an agency under the [[United States Department of the Interior]].<ref name="SO3299">{{Citation|last=Salazar|first=Ken|title=Secretarial Order Nº 3299|date=May 19, 2010|url=https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/444/Page1.aspx|authorlink=Ken Salazar|format=PDF|accessdate=May 21, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Established in 2011, BSEE is the lead agency responsible for improving safety and ensuring environmental protection in the offshore energy industry, mainly [[natural gas]] and oil, on the United States [[Outer Continental Shelf]] (OCS).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/who-we-are/about-us|title=About Us {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>&nbsp;The agency oversees the safety and environmental enforcement functions formerly under the [[Minerals Management Service]], including the authority to inspect, investigate, summon witnesses and produce evidence, levy penalties, cancel or suspend activities, and oversee safety, response, and removal preparedness.<ref name="SO3299" />


==History==
==History==
The BSEE was established in 2011 in response to the regulatory failure of [[Minerals Management Service]] (MMS) in the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]]. [https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/444/Page1.aspx Secretarial Order 3299] signed by then Secretary of the Interior [[Ken Salazar]], created the agency. Order 3299 also created the [[Bureau of Ocean Energy Management]] (BOEM) and the [[Office of Natural Resources Revenue]] (ONRR).<ref name="SO3299" />
The BSEE was established in response to the regulatory failure of [[Minerals Management Service]] (MMS) in the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]] of 2010. [https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/444/Page1.aspx Secretarial Order 3299]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} signed by then Secretary of the Interior [[Ken Salazar]] on May 19, 2010, created the agency. Order 3299 also created the [[Bureau of Ocean Energy Management]] (BOEM) and the [[Office of Natural Resources Revenue]] (ONRR).<ref name="SO3299" />


The creation of the three independent entities was designed to carry out three missions:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/who-we-are/history/reorganization|title=Reorganization {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>
The creation of the three independent entities was designed to carry out three missions:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/who-we-are/history/reorganization|title=Reorganization {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>
Line 27: Line 29:
* Ensuring safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production and enforcing applicable rules and regulations
* Ensuring safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production and enforcing applicable rules and regulations
* Ensuring a fair return to the taxpayer from offshore royalty and revenue collection and disbursement activities
* Ensuring a fair return to the taxpayer from offshore royalty and revenue collection and disbursement activities
On June 18, 2010, [https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/165/Page1.aspx Secretarial Order 3302] briefly renamed the MMS to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). This name was in effect until the official establishment of the BSEE on October 1, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/165/Page1.aspx|title=Secretarial Order No. 3302|last=Salazar|first=Ken|date=June 18, 2010|website=|access-date=2017-05-02}}</ref> On September 16, 2011, Salazar named former MMS Director [[Michael R. Bromwich]] as the BSEE's first director.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Press Release|title=Secretary Salazar Names Michael R. Bromwich and Tommy P. Beaudreau to Lead New DOI Bureaus|url=https://www.bsee.gov/newsroom/latest-news/statements-and-releases/press-releases/secretary-salazar-names-michael-r|accessdate=25 March 2018|agency=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|date=16 September 2011|language=en}}</ref> On November 14, 2011, Salazar named Coast Guard Rear Admiral [[James A. Watson]] as the BSEE's second director.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Press Release|title=Secretary Salazar Names Rear Admiral James A. Watson as New Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|url=https://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Secretary-Salazar-Names-Rear-Admiral-James-A-Watson-as-New-Director-of-the-Bureau-of-Safety-and-Environmental-Enforcement|accessdate=25 March 2018|agency=United States Department of the Interior|date=14 November 2011}}</ref>
⚫
In 2013, the BSEE and the U.S. Department of Transportation Statistics (BTS) signed an Interagency Agreement (IAA) to create [https://www.safeocs.gov SafeOCS], for voluntary confidential reporting of ‘near misses’ happening on Outer Continental Shelf. It was later expanded to include mandatory reporting of equipment failure data as required in [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/30/250.730 30 CFR 250.730] and [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/30/250.803 30 CFR 250.803].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.safeocs.gov|title=Near-Miss Reporting System|website=www.safeocs.gov|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>


⚫
On August 14, 2013, Interior Secretary [[Sally Jewell]] named former Coast Guard Vice Admiral Brian Salerno as the BSEE's third director.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Press Release|title=Secretary Jewell Names Former USCG Vice Admiral Brian Salerno Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|url=https://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/secretary-jewell-names-former-uscg-vice-admiral-brian-salerno-director-of-the-bureau-of-safety-and-environmental-enforcement|accessdate=25 March 2018|agency=United States Department of the Interior|date=14 August 2013}}</ref> In 2013, the BSEE and the U.S. Department of Transportation Statistics (BTS) signed an Interagency Agreement (IAA) to create [https://www.safeocs.gov SafeOCS], for voluntary confidential reporting of ‘near misses’ happening on Outer Continental Shelf. It was later expanded to include mandatory reporting of equipment failure data as required in [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/30/250.730 30 CFR 250.730] and [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/30/250.803 30 CFR 250.803].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.safeocs.gov|title=Near-Miss Reporting System|website=www.safeocs.gov|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>
⚫
In 2016, the BSEE finalized Well Control Rule. Phased in over time (starting on July 28, 2016), the reform will establish regulations to prevent another Deepwater Horizon tragedy and other well control incidents. In addition, it will implement new and revised industry standards as well as codification of decades worth of BSEE polices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/regulations/well-control-rule|title=Well Control Rule {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>


⚫
In 2016, the BSEE finalized Well Control Rule. Phased in over time (starting on July 28, 2016), the reform will establish regulations to prevent another Deepwater Horizon tragedy and other well control incidents. In addition, it will implement new and revised industry standards as well as codification of decades worth of BSEE policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/regulations/well-control-rule|title=Well Control Rule {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>
⚫
Key points of Well Control Rule:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/technical-presentations//wcr-implementation-workshop-presentation-final.pdf|title=Well Control Rule Interpretation Workshop Presentation|last=|first=|date=August 17, 2016|website=BSEE|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>

⚫
Key points of Well Control Rule:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/technical-presentations//wcr-implementation-workshop-presentation-final.pdf|title=Well Control Rule Interpretation Workshop Presentation|last=|first=|date=August 17, 2016|website=BSEE|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>
* Incorporate industry standards as baseline
* Incorporate industry standards as baseline
* Establish criteria for maintenance and repair of [[Blowout preventer|blowout preventers]] (BOP)&nbsp;
* Establish criteria for maintenance and repair of [[blowout preventer]]s (BOP)&nbsp;
* Safe drilling practices and procedures
* Safe drilling practices and procedures
* Real time monitoring requirements
* Real time monitoring requirements
* Third party certification programs
* Third party certification programs

In 2016, [[NASA]] and the BSEE entered into a five-year interagency agreement (IAA). Under the agreement, NASA will assist BSEE in further developing risk management using NASA’s probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) technique.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-bsee-announce-agreement-to-examine-risk-offshore|title=NASA, BSEE Announce Agreement to Examine Risk Offshore|last=Canales|first=Christina|date=March 17, 2016|website=NASA|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>
In 2016, [[NASA]] and the BSEE entered into a five-year interagency agreement (IAA). Under the agreement, NASA will assist BSEE in further developing risk management using NASA's [[probabilistic risk assessment]] (PRA) technique.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-bsee-announce-agreement-to-examine-risk-offshore|title=NASA, BSEE Announce Agreement to Examine Risk Offshore|last=Canales|first=Christina|date=March 17, 2016|website=NASA|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> In February 2016, the [[Government Accountability Office]] determined that the reorganization had made only limited progress in enhancing BSEE's investigative and enforcement capabilities.<ref>GAO, ''Oil and Gas Management: Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Has Not Addressed Long-Standing Oversight Deficiencies'', [https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-245 GAO-16-245] (Washington, D.C.: Feb. 10, 2016).</ref> In March 2017, the GAO determined that BSEE had not successfully implemented its strategic or management initiatives.<ref>GAO, ''Oil and Gas Management: Stronger Leadership Commitment Needed at Interior to Improve Offshore Oversight and Internal Management'', [https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-293 GAO-17-293] (Washington, D.C.: Mar. 21, 2017).</ref>

On May 23, 2017, Interior Secretary [[Ryan Zinke]] named former Louisiana interim-Lieutenant Governor [[Scott Angelle]] as the BSEE's fourth director.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Press Release|title=Former Louisiana State Official Scott A. Angelle Named as Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|url=https://www.bsee.gov/newsroom/latest-news/statements-and-releases/press-releases/former-louisiana-state-official-scott-a|accessdate=25 March 2018|agency=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|date=22 May 2017|language=en}}</ref> On January 20, 2021, Angelle resigned.

On March 28, 2022, Kevin M. Sligh Sr. was appointed as the BSEE's fifth director. He resigned on September 6, 2024.<ref name="Sligh Kovacs transition">{{cite web|url=https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-bureau-safety-and-environmental-enforcement-leadership|title=Interior Department Announces Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Leadership Transition|date=2024-08-29|publisher=United States Department of the Interior|access-date=2024-12-19}}</ref>

On September 6, 2024, Kathryn E. Kovacs was appointed as the BSEE's sixth director.<ref name="Sligh Kovacs transition"/>


== Divisions ==
== Divisions ==


=== Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP) ===
=== Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP) ===
OORP manages rules, standards and compliance programs in charge of oil, gas and mineral operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Branches under the OORP are responsible for regulations and associated policy documents of the OCS. Additionally, programs cover safety management, pollution prevention research, technology assessments, inspection policies and development of BSEE’s technical training.
The Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP) manages rules, standards and compliance programs in charge of oil, gas and mineral operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Branches under the OORP are responsible for regulations and associated policy documents of the OCS. Additionally, programs cover safety management, pollution prevention research, technology assessments, inspection policies and development of BSEE's technical training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/offshore-regulatory-programs|title=Offshore Regulatory Programs {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}}</ref>


=== Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OPSD) ===
=== Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD) ===
The BSEE oversees oil spill planning and preparedness for oil and gas production facilities in U.S. waters. Some of the main functions of its Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD) division include the approval of oil spill response plans; inspection of oil spill response equipment; conducting oil spill response research, auditing responder and management team training and exercises. OSPD currently manages the Ohmsett National Spill Response Test Facility, located in Leonardo, New Jersey.
The BSEE oversees oil spill planning and preparedness for oil and gas production facilities in U.S. waters (see [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/30/part-254 30 CFR part 254]). Some of the main functions of its Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD) division include the approval of oil spill response plans; inspection of oil spill response equipment; conducting oil spill response research, auditing responder and management team training and exercises. OSPD currently manages the [[Ohmsett]] National Spill Response Test Facility, located in [[Leonardo, New Jersey]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/oil-spill-preparedness|title=Oil Spill Preparedness {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}}</ref>


=== Environmental&nbsp;Compliance Division (ECD) ===
=== Environmental&nbsp;Compliance Division (ECD) ===
The Environmental Compliance Division (ECD) monitors, verifies and enforces the offshore industry's compliance with environmental standards in operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). ECD is responsible for compliancy with the [[National Environmental Policy Act]] (NEPA) in regards to BSEE's OCS operations. Other responsibilities include coordination with the [[Bureau of Ocean Energy Management]] (BOEM) and other Federal, State and local agencies; and public outreach regarding environmental compliance. Engineers and scientists working under the ECD, are BSEE's national coordinators for various environmental programs including Air Quality, Archaeological and Cultural Resources; Marine Ecology, Marine Trash and Debris Oversight; and the [[Rigs-to-Reefs]] (R2R) [[Artificial reef|Artificial Reef]] Program<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/environmental-focuses|title=Environmental Focuses {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}}</ref>


=== Safety & Incident Investigation Division (SIID) ===
=== Safety & Incident Investigation Division (SIID) ===
The Safety and Incident Division (SIID) is responsible for establishing national policies relating to the conduct of investigations of safety incidents happening on the OCS. This division also establishes national policies regarding investigator training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/0/doc/4206/Page2.aspx|title=Department Manual|last=Department of Interior|date=October 23, 2015|website=Department of Interior|access-date=May 2, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> SIID at the BSEE headquarters in Washington D.C., manages the National Investigations Program and coordinates the training for investigators and provides support to the regional and district levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/incident-investigations|title=Incident Investigations {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-05-06}}</ref>


==Budget==
==Budget==
As of 2016, the BSEE has a $204.6 million budget and 881 full-time employees (FTE), requesting $204.8 million and no increase in FTE for fiscal year 2017.<ref name="FY2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/budget-justifications//bsee-fy-2017-budget.pdf|title=Budget Justifications and Performance Information FY 2017 BSEE|first=|date=July 28, 2016|website=|publisher=Department of Interior|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|author1=BSEE|accessdate=16 April 2017}}</ref>
As of 2016, the BSEE has a $204.6 million budget and 881 full-time employees (FTE), requesting $204.8 million and no increase in FTE for fiscal year 2017.<ref name="FY2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/budget-justifications//bsee-fy-2017-budget.pdf|title=Budget Justifications and Performance Information FY 2017 BSEE|date=July 28, 2016|website=|publisher=Department of Interior|author1=BSEE|accessdate=16 April 2017}}</ref>


==Offices==
==Offices==
Regional offices are in [[Anchorage, Alaska]], [[Camarillo, California]], [[New Orleans]], and district offices along the Gulf of Mexico coast.<ref name="BSEEhist">{{cite web|url=http://www.bsee.gov/About-BSEE/BSEE-History/index/|title=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement History|date=n.d.|publisher=Department of Interior|accessdate=5 December 2014}}</ref>
Regional offices are in [[Anchorage, Alaska]]; [[Camarillo, California]]; [[New Orleans|New Orleans, Louisiana]] and district offices along the Gulf of Mexico coast.<ref name="BSEEhist">{{cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/who-we-are/our-organization/regional-offices|title=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Regional Offices|last=|first=|date=n.d.|website=|publisher=Department of Interior|accessdate=5 May 2017}}</ref>


== Publications ==
== Publications ==


=== BSEE Annual Reports ===
=== BSEE Annual Reports ===
[https://www.bsee.gov/newsroom/library/annual-report Annual reports] from The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have been issued since 2014. This report highlights the achievements of the agency, its plans for the future and statistics of safety incidences.
[https://www.bsee.gov/newsroom/library/annual-report Annual reports] from The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have been issued since 2014. This report highlights the achievements of the agency, its plans for the future and statistics of safety incidences.{{verify spelling|date=September 2022|reason=''incidence'' is normally used only in the singular form, perhaps ''incidence'', ''incidents'', or ''instances'' was intended}}


=== BSEE FY Greenbook ===
=== BSEE FY Greenbook ===
The ''BSEE [https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/budget-planning-performance/budget Greenbook]'' is The United State’s Department of the Interior’s (DOI) budget justifications for the upcoming fiscal year.
The ''BSEE [https://www.bsee.gov/what-we-do/budget-planning-performance/budget Greenbook]'' is the United States Department of the Interior's (DOI) budget justifications for the upcoming fiscal year.


=== Notice to Lessees (NTLs) & Letter to Lessees (LTL) ===
=== Notice to Lessees (NTLs) & Letter to Lessees (LTLs) ===
NTLs and LTLs are formal documents that clarify, describe and interpret BSEE regulations or Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) standards. They give guidelines in implementation of lease stipulations or regional requirements and explain the scope and meaning of a regulation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/guidance/notice-to-lessees|title=Notice to Lessees (NTLs) {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>
NTLs and LTLs are formal documents that clarify, describe and interpret BSEE regulations or Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) standards. They give guidelines in implementation of lease stipulations or regional requirements and explain the scope and meaning of a regulation. NTLs also may communicate administrative information including current telephone numbers and changes in addresses of BSEE offices or personnel. NTLs and LTLs are currently archived on the [https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/guidance/notice-to-lessees BSEE’s website].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsee.gov/guidance-and-regulations/guidance/notice-to-lessees|title=Notice to Lessees (NTLs) {{!}} Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement|website=www.bsee.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>

=== BSEE Data Center ===
The BSEE maintains a [https://www.data.bsee.gov database] containing public information on various topics including leasing information, pipelines, permitting, platform/rig and production information; and statistics. Data is available in the form of online queries, PDFs, ASCII files and scanned documents. Information may be cross-referenced among different subject headings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.data.bsee.gov|title=BSEE Data Center|website=www.data.bsee.gov|access-date=2017-05-09}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 80: Line 96:
*{{cite web|last1=Hogue|first1=Henry|title=Reorganization of the Minerals Management Service in the Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41485.pdf|website=Federation of American Scientists Website|publisher=Congressional Research Service|accessdate=23 April 2017|date=2010}}
*{{cite web|last1=Hogue|first1=Henry|title=Reorganization of the Minerals Management Service in the Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41485.pdf|website=Federation of American Scientists Website|publisher=Congressional Research Service|accessdate=23 April 2017|date=2010}}
*{{cite book|last1=National Academy of Engineering; National Research Council; Marine Board; Committee on Options for Implementing the Requirement of Best Available and Safest Technologies for Offshore Oil and Gas Operations|title=Best available and safest technologies for offshore oil and gas operations : options for implementation|date=2013|publisher=National Academies Press|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=9780309294270}}
*{{cite book|last1=National Academy of Engineering; National Research Council; Marine Board; Committee on Options for Implementing the Requirement of Best Available and Safest Technologies for Offshore Oil and Gas Operations|title=Best available and safest technologies for offshore oil and gas operations : options for implementation|date=2013|publisher=National Academies Press|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=9780309294270}}
*{{cite web|last1=Study Team of the National Academy of Public Administration|title=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement: Strategic Organizational Assessment|url=http://www.napawash.org/images/reports/2017/BSEE-Report-To-Post-3.17.17.pdf|website=National Academy of Public Administration|accessdate=23 April 2017}}
*{{cite web|last1=Study Team of the National Academy of Public Administration|title=Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement: Strategic Organizational Assessment|url=http://www.napawash.org/images/reports/2017/BSEE-Report-To-Post-3.17.17.pdf|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170608202510/http://www.napawash.org/images/reports/2017/BSEE-Report-To-Post-3.17.17.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2017|website=National Academy of Public Administration|accessdate=23 April 2017}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{DOI agencies}}
{{DOI agencies}}


{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement}}

[[Category:2011 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:2011 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Environmental agencies in the United States]]
[[Category:Environmental agencies in the United States]]
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[[Category:Natural resources agencies in the United States]]
[[Category:Natural resources agencies in the United States]]
[[Category:United States Department of the Interior agencies]]
[[Category:United States Department of the Interior agencies]]
[[Category:Regulatory authorities of the United States|Safety and Environmental]]


{{US-gov-stub}}

Latest revision as of 18:33, 19 December 2024

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Agency overview
FormedOctober 1, 2011 (2011-10-01)
Preceding agency
HeadquartersMain Interior Building
Washington, D.C.
Employees881 FTE (2016)
Annual budget$204.6 million USD (2016)
Agency executive
  • Kathryn E. Kovacs, Director
Parent agencyDepartment of the Interior
Websitewww.bsee.gov

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE /ˈbɛsi/ "Bessie") is an agency under the United States Department of the Interior.[1] Established in 2011, BSEE is the lead agency responsible for improving safety and ensuring environmental protection in the offshore energy industry, mainly natural gas and oil, on the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).[2] The agency oversees the safety and environmental enforcement functions formerly under the Minerals Management Service, including the authority to inspect, investigate, summon witnesses and produce evidence, levy penalties, cancel or suspend activities, and oversee safety, response, and removal preparedness.[1]

History

[edit]

The BSEE was established in response to the regulatory failure of Minerals Management Service (MMS) in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010. Secretarial Order 3299[permanent dead link‍] signed by then Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on May 19, 2010, created the agency. Order 3299 also created the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR).[1]

The creation of the three independent entities was designed to carry out three missions:[3]

  • Ensuring the balance and responsible development of energy resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
  • Ensuring safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production and enforcing applicable rules and regulations
  • Ensuring a fair return to the taxpayer from offshore royalty and revenue collection and disbursement activities

On June 18, 2010, Secretarial Order 3302 briefly renamed the MMS to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). This name was in effect until the official establishment of the BSEE on October 1, 2011.[4] On September 16, 2011, Salazar named former MMS Director Michael R. Bromwich as the BSEE's first director.[5] On November 14, 2011, Salazar named Coast Guard Rear Admiral James A. Watson as the BSEE's second director.[6]

On August 14, 2013, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell named former Coast Guard Vice Admiral Brian Salerno as the BSEE's third director.[7] In 2013, the BSEE and the U.S. Department of Transportation Statistics (BTS) signed an Interagency Agreement (IAA) to create SafeOCS, for voluntary confidential reporting of ‘near misses’ happening on Outer Continental Shelf. It was later expanded to include mandatory reporting of equipment failure data as required in 30 CFR 250.730 and 30 CFR 250.803.[8]

In 2016, the BSEE finalized Well Control Rule. Phased in over time (starting on July 28, 2016), the reform will establish regulations to prevent another Deepwater Horizon tragedy and other well control incidents. In addition, it will implement new and revised industry standards as well as codification of decades worth of BSEE policies.[9]

Key points of Well Control Rule:[10]

  • Incorporate industry standards as baseline
  • Establish criteria for maintenance and repair of blowout preventers (BOP) 
  • Safe drilling practices and procedures
  • Real time monitoring requirements
  • Third party certification programs

In 2016, NASA and the BSEE entered into a five-year interagency agreement (IAA). Under the agreement, NASA will assist BSEE in further developing risk management using NASA's probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) technique.[11] In February 2016, the Government Accountability Office determined that the reorganization had made only limited progress in enhancing BSEE's investigative and enforcement capabilities.[12] In March 2017, the GAO determined that BSEE had not successfully implemented its strategic or management initiatives.[13]

On May 23, 2017, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke named former Louisiana interim-Lieutenant Governor Scott Angelle as the BSEE's fourth director.[14] On January 20, 2021, Angelle resigned.

On March 28, 2022, Kevin M. Sligh Sr. was appointed as the BSEE's fifth director. He resigned on September 6, 2024.[15]

On September 6, 2024, Kathryn E. Kovacs was appointed as the BSEE's sixth director.[15]

Divisions

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Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP)

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The Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP) manages rules, standards and compliance programs in charge of oil, gas and mineral operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Branches under the OORP are responsible for regulations and associated policy documents of the OCS. Additionally, programs cover safety management, pollution prevention research, technology assessments, inspection policies and development of BSEE's technical training.[16]

Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD)

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The BSEE oversees oil spill planning and preparedness for oil and gas production facilities in U.S. waters (see 30 CFR part 254). Some of the main functions of its Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD) division include the approval of oil spill response plans; inspection of oil spill response equipment; conducting oil spill response research, auditing responder and management team training and exercises. OSPD currently manages the Ohmsett National Spill Response Test Facility, located in Leonardo, New Jersey.[17]

Environmental Compliance Division (ECD)

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The Environmental Compliance Division (ECD) monitors, verifies and enforces the offshore industry's compliance with environmental standards in operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). ECD is responsible for compliancy with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in regards to BSEE's OCS operations. Other responsibilities include coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and other Federal, State and local agencies; and public outreach regarding environmental compliance. Engineers and scientists working under the ECD, are BSEE's national coordinators for various environmental programs including Air Quality, Archaeological and Cultural Resources; Marine Ecology, Marine Trash and Debris Oversight; and the Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R) Artificial Reef Program[18]

Safety & Incident Investigation Division (SIID)

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The Safety and Incident Division (SIID) is responsible for establishing national policies relating to the conduct of investigations of safety incidents happening on the OCS. This division also establishes national policies regarding investigator training.[19] SIID at the BSEE headquarters in Washington D.C., manages the National Investigations Program and coordinates the training for investigators and provides support to the regional and district levels.[20]

Budget

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As of 2016, the BSEE has a $204.6 million budget and 881 full-time employees (FTE), requesting $204.8 million and no increase in FTE for fiscal year 2017.[21]

Offices

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Regional offices are in Anchorage, Alaska; Camarillo, California; New Orleans, Louisiana and district offices along the Gulf of Mexico coast.[22]

Publications

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BSEE Annual Reports

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Annual reports from The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have been issued since 2014. This report highlights the achievements of the agency, its plans for the future and statistics of safety incidences.[spelling?]

BSEE FY Greenbook

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The BSEE Greenbook is the United States Department of the Interior's (DOI) budget justifications for the upcoming fiscal year.

Notice to Lessees (NTLs) & Letter to Lessees (LTLs)

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NTLs and LTLs are formal documents that clarify, describe and interpret BSEE regulations or Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) standards. They give guidelines in implementation of lease stipulations or regional requirements and explain the scope and meaning of a regulation. NTLs also may communicate administrative information including current telephone numbers and changes in addresses of BSEE offices or personnel. NTLs and LTLs are currently archived on the BSEE’s website.[23]

BSEE Data Center

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The BSEE maintains a database containing public information on various topics including leasing information, pipelines, permitting, platform/rig and production information; and statistics. Data is available in the form of online queries, PDFs, ASCII files and scanned documents. Information may be cross-referenced among different subject headings.[24]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Salazar, Ken (May 19, 2010), Secretarial Order Nº 3299 (PDF), retrieved May 21, 2010[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ "About Us | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  3. ^ "Reorganization | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  4. ^ Salazar, Ken (June 18, 2010). "Secretarial Order No. 3302". Retrieved 2017-05-02.
  5. ^ Press Release (16 September 2011). "Secretary Salazar Names Michael R. Bromwich and Tommy P. Beaudreau to Lead New DOI Bureaus". Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  6. ^ Press Release (14 November 2011). "Secretary Salazar Names Rear Admiral James A. Watson as New Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  7. ^ Press Release (14 August 2013). "Secretary Jewell Names Former USCG Vice Admiral Brian Salerno Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Near-Miss Reporting System". www.safeocs.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  9. ^ "Well Control Rule | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  10. ^ "Well Control Rule Interpretation Workshop Presentation" (PDF). BSEE. August 17, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  11. ^ Canales, Christina (March 17, 2016). "NASA, BSEE Announce Agreement to Examine Risk Offshore". NASA. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  12. ^ GAO, Oil and Gas Management: Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Has Not Addressed Long-Standing Oversight Deficiencies, GAO-16-245 (Washington, D.C.: Feb. 10, 2016).
  13. ^ GAO, Oil and Gas Management: Stronger Leadership Commitment Needed at Interior to Improve Offshore Oversight and Internal Management, GAO-17-293 (Washington, D.C.: Mar. 21, 2017).
  14. ^ Press Release (22 May 2017). "Former Louisiana State Official Scott A. Angelle Named as Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Interior Department Announces Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Leadership Transition". United States Department of the Interior. 2024-08-29. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  16. ^ "Offshore Regulatory Programs | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  17. ^ "Oil Spill Preparedness | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  18. ^ "Environmental Focuses | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  19. ^ Department of Interior (October 23, 2015). "Department Manual". Department of Interior. Retrieved May 2, 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  20. ^ "Incident Investigations | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  21. ^ BSEE (July 28, 2016). "Budget Justifications and Performance Information FY 2017 BSEE" (PDF). Department of Interior. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  22. ^ "Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Regional Offices". Department of Interior. n.d. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  23. ^ "Notice to Lessees (NTLs) | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement". www.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  24. ^ "BSEE Data Center". www.data.bsee.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-09.

Further reading

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