The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced today that its Outer Continental Shelf Scientific Committee will hold its first meeting since Secretary Salazar appointed 12 new members in October 2011. The public meeting will take place in Reston, Va., Feb. 8 – 9, 2012.
“BOEM is guided by a robust science program to move our nation forward with offshore energy development in a responsible manner,” said BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau. “This committee of distinguished scientists provides critical input on our research priorities to ensure we are appropriately addressing the information needs of the bureau and the department.”
The OCS Scientific Committee is a public federal advisory committee of 15 scientists representing diverse fields. The group advises BOEM on the agency’s offshore environmental studies, which inform policy decisions regarding development of Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources.
This will be the first of two meetings taking place in 2012 and will serve as a venue to introduce the newest members to the BOEM Environmental Studies Program and meet headquarters and regional staff. The committee will also elect new officers.
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.