BOEM Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources
On February 15, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a rule aimed at protecting archaeological resources from impacts of activities conducted on the Outer Continental Shelf. The proposed rule requires lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with their exploration or development plans. The rule also outlines the procedure for reporting and continuing operations if an archaeological resource is discovered, and what operators are to do if an unanticipated resource is discovered during operation. BOEM has indicated that the rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis for the rule.
Written comments are due by April 17, 2023.
Advocacy contact: Send an email to Prianka Sharma at prianka.sharma@sba.gov or call at (202) 205-6938.