The **Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)** is a U.S. Department of the Interior agency established in 2010 to oversee the responsible development of offshore energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM’s mission centers on ensuring that offshore oil, gas, renewable energy, and mineral resources are developed safely, sustainably, and with minimal environmental impact[1][4][7].
BOEM was created by dividing the former Minerals Management Service into three entities to improve regulatory focus and safety. It manages about 2,674 active leases covering over 14 million acres, with OCS production contributing roughly 18% of the nation’s crude oil and 4% of domestic natural gas supply, principally from the Gulf of Mexico[2][5]. Beyond fossil fuels, BOEM plays a leading role in offshore renewable energy, especially wind power, managing an expanding portfolio of offshore wind leases primarily on the U.S. East Coast, aligning with national efforts to advance clean energy[2][5].
Key BOEM functions include resource evaluation, environmental impact assessments, lease planning and issuance, and regulatory monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental laws. The agency also oversees non-energy marine minerals like sand and gravel and supports carbon sequestration initiatives[1][3][4][7]. BOEM’s environmental program emphasizes science-based policy, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with tribes and other agencies to balance energy development with ecosystem protection[5][7].
A notable aspect of BOEM’s work is its membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), collaborating internationally on marine spatial planning, oil spill prevention, and environmental law[1]. It also maintains records of historic shipwrecks on the OCS to protect cultural heritage during offshore development[4].
With a budget of nearly $190 million and around 600 staff, BOEM is pivotal in harmonizing U.S. energy security, economic development, and environmental stewardship on the nation’s offshor