Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Tommy P. Beaudreau today welcomed new and returning members of the Outer Continental Shelf Scientific Committee, a federal advisory committee for BOEM, to the first of two days of meetings in Reston, Virginia. The meeting included an orientation for the 12 new members named last fall by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.
“It has been a pleasure to meet with this distinguished group of scientists and have the opportunity to listen to their thoughts concerning scientific priorities relevant to BOEM’s programs for energy development and environmental protection,” said Director Beaudreau. “As we continue to develop and diversify offshore energy sources that benefit the American people and the economy while protecting the environment for future generations, the service of these committee members is highly valued and adds immensely to our scientific focus.”
Director Beaudreau provided an overview of BOEM’s goals and objectives, and sought the input of committee members on matters related to the bureau’s Environmental Studies Program. Alan D. Thornhill, Ph.D., BOEM’s chief environmental officer, described BOEM’s priorities and program objectives in its first year, while Rodney Cluck, Ph.D., executive secretary for the OCS Scientific Committee and chief of the Environmental Sciences Division, outlined the goals and responsibilities of the program.
Committee members elected three new officers, who will serve three year terms: Lorrie Rea, Ph.D. of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game was elected chair; Robert J. Diaz, Ph.D., of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to become vice chair; and Stephen L. Elgar, Ph.D. of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to serve as parliamentarian. The Outer Continental Shelf Scientific Committee consists of 15 distinguished scientists representing diverse scientific fields.
BOEM’s regional studies directors from Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific, and BOEM’s Office of Renewable Energy Programs provided an overview of studies within their regions. Environmental Studies Program scientists led breakout sessions on multiple study discipline areas including: biology and ecology, physical sciences and social sciences. These sessions will resume on the second day.
The next meeting of the OCS Scientific Committee is planned for spring of 2012 and will be announced at a future date. Additional information about the OCS Scientific Committee is available at http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/Public-Engagement/Federal-Advisory-Committees/OCS-Scientific-Committee/Index.aspx
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore resources. The Bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy independence and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies.