BOEM Issues Notice to Lessees to Help Implement New Air Quality Rule

In support of President Trump’s Executive Order 13795, Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will issue six Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) to help implement the new air quality rule that took effect July 6, 2020 and replace older NTLs and guidance documents.
The six NTLs include the following.

• BOEM’s Approved Air Quality Models (NTL No. 2020-N02). This NTL informs lessees and operators of the approved air quality models that should be used for air quality assessment in the areas that BOEM regulates on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
• 2021 OCS Emissions Inventory - Western Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Adjacent to the North Slope Borough of the State of Alaska (NTL No. 2020-N03). This NTL instructs lessees and operators about the emissions source data and reports they should submit for use by BOEM in preparing the 2021 OCS Emissions Inventory. 
• Air Quality Information Requirements for Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents, and Development and Production Plans in the GOM Region (NTL No.  2020-G01). This NTL provides guidance to facilitate lessees’ and operators’submittal of necessary emissions information to facilitate BOEM’s timely review of Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents and Development and Production Plans in the GOM Region.
• Air Dispersion Modeling Information for Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents, and Development and Production Plans (NTL No.  2020-G02). This NTL describes how to conduct dispersion modeling in the areas of the GOM where BOEM has air quality jurisdiction.                                         
• Reporting of Air Emissions in Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans – Alaska OCS (NTL No. 2020-A01). This NTL provides guidance for lessees and operators on submittal of necessary emissions information to facilitate BOEM’s timely review of Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans in the Alaska Region.
• Air Dispersion Modeling Information for Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans – Alaska OCS (NTL No. 2020-A02). This NTL provides air dispersion modeling guidance applicable to lessees’ and operators’ activities on areas of the Alaska OCS where BOEM has air quality jurisdiction.

For more information on BOEM’s new air quality rule, go to https://www.boem.gov/overview-air-quality-regulations.