BOEM’s Alaska OCS Region
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region plays a vital role in unleashing Alaska's extraordinary resource potential. We oversee the responsible exploration and development of offshore energy and marine mineral resources across Alaska’s vast and resource-rich OCS.
As a key contributor to the nation’s energy security and Arctic presence, we support safe, science-informed access to offshore resources that help power the economy, drive innovation, and strengthen national resilience. Our multidisciplinary team includes petroleum engineers, geologists, oceanographers, biologists, environmental and policy analysts, and a dedicated Tribal and Community Liaison — all working together to enable thoughtful development that respects the unique Arctic environment and the people who depend on it.
Key Regional Information
- Conventional Energy: The Alaska OCS is estimated to hold 24.69 billion barrels of oil, and 124.03 trillion cf of natural gas.
- Renewable Energy: Alaska’s offshore hold a potential 3,800 Gigawatts of renewable-energy power.
- Scientific Research and Environment Assessment: We are one of Alaska’s largest funders of marine science, with 20-30 ongoing studies.
- Native and Community Engagement: Our region comprises 229 Tribes and 20+ Languages.
Alaska Regional Director
Givey Kochanowski.
The Alaska Outer Continental Shelf comprises the submerged lands that lie more than three nautical miles from the state's shoreline. (In contrast, the submerged lands within three miles of Alaska’s shores are state waters, and are thus regulated by the State of Alaska.) Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States put together, so as you might imagine, our OCS is enormous: More than a billion acres -- about 65 percent of the size of the entire contiguous 48 states. That expanse contains immense energy and mineral resources. Alaska’s OCS is estimated to contain 24.69 billion barrels of oil, 124.03 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 3,800 gigawatts of potential wind, tidal and wave energy.
