What is Environmental Assessment?

What Is Environmental Assessment Banner

Environmental assessment is the process in which BOEM evaluates the potential impacts of proposed actions on the environment and suggests alternatives or mitigations that may reduce or eliminate these impacts. Environmental assessment helps BOEM balance uses of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and make decisions on the management and development of OCS energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. By using science, regulatory frameworks, and input from others, the Bureau considers the potential for BOEM activities to impact the ocean’s physical characteristics, biological resources, and marine or coastal uses that are important to the environment and society. 

Click on the interactive sections of the infographic below to view the environmental assessment process step-by-step:

S T U D Y A N D P R O T E C T T H E E N V I R O N M E N T ASSESS IMPACTS & IMPROVE MITIGATION MAKE PROJECTDECISIONS MITIGATE IMPACTS ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS ASSESS POTENTIAL IMPACTS DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT PROPOSE OCS ACTIVITY BOEM scientists monitor how the environment is impacted by OCS activities and use this information to improve mitigation and inform future decisions to be better environmental stewards. Once BOEM has analyzed the potential impacts of a proposed action, BOEM may either approve the project, require mitigations to reduce impacts, or deny the activity. BOEM scientists propose how to reduce or eliminate potential impacts to the environment. BOEM publishes BOEM publishes regulatory actions and environmental analyses forpublic comment, and holds meetings with the public, industry, non-governmental agencies,and others to learn from themand share information. Weshare our reports. BOEM scientists assess potential impacts and hold consultations on proposed actions. To assess the potential impacts of an action, BOEM scientists first describe the current environment. Activities that BOEM permits on the OCS include conventional and renewable energy development, and sand and gravel extraction.

Resources to Consider

Assessments depend on BOEM’s engagement with the public, other Federal agencies, and state and tribal governments. BOEM consults, coordinates, and collaborates with these groups to prevent or minimize impacts to specific resources. More than 30 regulations, executive orders, and policies are integral to BOEM’s assessment process and decisions.

A few of the resources commonly analyzed in assessments include water and air quality, marine mammals, fisheries, and tourism. For more information on how BOEM conducts National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessments, please visit this page on the NEPA process.  

Click on the interactive sections of the infographic below to view a detailed breakdown of the resources considered in environmental assessments:

Commercial and Recreational Fisheries Tourism and Recreation Land Use and Infrastructure Environmental Justice Sociocultural Systems Tribal Engagement Archaeological and Historical Resources Employment and Job Market Terrestrial Wildlife and Habitat Coastal and Estuarine Habitats Sea Turtles Birds Fish and Essential Fish Habitat Marine Mammals Marine Benthic Communities Pelagic Communities Water Quality Ocean Currents Climate, Geology and Air Quality Social, Economic, &CulturalConsiderations Biological Considerations Physical Considerations Environmental ImpactAssessment