The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) last week announced a final rule that separates the federal regulations that govern offshore energy and resource development between the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), effective October 1, 2011. The two bureaus will become operational on that date, completing the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). The organization of the regulations reflected in the final rule tracks the set of activities that will now be undertaken separately by BSEE and BOEM.

"This is a critical step in our reorganization efforts," said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. "Recodifying the regulations for BSEE and BOEM reflects the clear separation of missions between each agency and provides each bureau with the necessary authority to immediately fulfill their responsibilities to the nation. As important, this rule provides industry and the public with clarity regarding the detailed allocation of responsibilities between the two new agencies that will oversee the safe and environmentally responsible development of our offshore energy and mineral resources."