The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior that plans and manages the responsible development of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
BOEM’s core functions include offshore leasing strategy and auctions; resource evaluation; environmental reviews and consultations under NEPA and other statutes; review and approval of exploration, site assessment, and construction and operations plans; management of federal marine minerals (e.g., sand and gravel) for coastal resilience; and administration of the offshore renewable energy program for wind and other marine technologies. It coordinates with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on operational safety and compliance.
Through these activities, BOEM influences offshore oil and gas supply, marine mineral availability, and the timing and siting of offshore wind projects—factors that affect energy markets, feedstock availability, and infrastructure planning relevant to the chemical and broader process industries.
