Atlantic Region

BOEM’s Atlantic OCS Region

Our mission: To manage development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way.

Responsible development of the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy resources is managed by the Office of Renewable Energy Programs. The Marine Mineral Program oversees the use of OCS non-energy sediment resources. Both programs are active in the Atlantic OCS Region, and their offices are in Sterling, VA. All oil and gas-related activities are administered through the Gulf of America Region. Currently there are no active oil and gas-related activities in the Atlantic.

Key Regional Information

Renewable: 32 commercial and 2 research leases; 2.635 million acres.
Marine Minerals: 6 states and 419 miles of shoreline restored.
Tribal Engagement: Our region comprises 30 Tribal Nations.

Atlantic Office

45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166
Atlantic Regional Director

TBD.

What is the Atlantic OCS?

The Atlantic OCS refers to all submerged lands lying beneath the ocean within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) beyond coastal waters of Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia (typically 3 miles from the coastline to 200 miles offshore). The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 amended the definition of “Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)” in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to include submerged lands within the EEZ adjacent to all U.S. territories, thus extending Atlantic OCS definition to include U.S. territories in the Atlantic.

Atlantic Management Areas

Stylized graphic of a map of the US Eastern seaboard states surrounded by an approximation of the OCS boundary for that BOEM region, including Puerto Rico.

Press Release

Apr 01

BOEM Highlights Role of Offshore Leasing and Planning in Supporting Record Energy Production

BOEM announced today the critical role of offshore leasing, resource assessment and long-term planning in supporting record oil production on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, which reached more than 714 million barrels in 2025.

Press Release

Feb 23

BOEM Proposes Rule Changes to Support Critical Mineral Exploration and Development Essential for National Security and Economic Prosperity

BOEM announced proposed revisions to its regulations governing hard mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf aiming to advance exploration and development of critical minerals essential to national security, economic competitiveness and technological progress.

Note to Stakeholders

Feb 10

BOEM Potential Critical Minerals Sales and Bidder Qualifications

BOEM is preparing for the potential to hold competitive lease sales that will allow winning bidders to submit plans for future exploration and development of critical seabed minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf.