On March 28, 2012, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to evaluate the potential significant environmental effects of multiple geological and geophysical (G&G) activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Under the OCS Lands Act, BOEM currently leases submerged lands on the OCS for the production of oil, gas and other minerals as well as renewable energy resources, such as those caused by the wind and the tides. The proposed action evaluated in the PEIS is aimed at permitting G&G activities, including seismic and other offshore surveys, in support of exploring and developing oil, gas, and other mineral and renewable energy resources in BOEM's Mid- and South Atlantic Planning Areas. The draft PEIS will also help inform future decisions about whether, and if so, where, leasing would be appropriate in these areas. BOEM has determined that a programmatic evaluation would be the best mechanism for addressing the numerous pending and anticipated requests for approval of large-scale G&G activities in Atlantic offshore waters.

The purpose of the proposed action is to gather state-of-the-practice data about the ocean's floor and subsurface. This will provide better information to BOEM and the oil and gas industry about the location, extent and properties of hydrocarbon resources, so that they can be explored and developed safely, effectively and economically. A variety of G&G techniques are also used to locate marine mineral resources and assess the potential for siting renewable energy projects. In addition, G&G studies deliver critical information that is used for identifying geologic hazards, archaeological resources and hard bottom habitats to be avoided during resource exploration and development.

G&G activities can adversely affect marine species. BOEM and agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could use the PEIS in the future as a way to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act when authorizing G&G activities under federal wildlife laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, where the activities might present the potential for the incidental taking of whales seals, dolphins and other marine mammals and endangered and threatened marine species, such as sea turtles. Such wildlife authorizations must be given before G&G activates may be undertaken.

Public meetings are scheduled in Jacksonville, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Charleston, S.C; Norfolk, Va; Wilmington, N.C.; Annapolis, Md.; Wilmington, Del.; and Atlantic City, N.J., to allow the public to comment on the draft PEIS. The comment period for the draft PEIS closes May 30, 2012.

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