BOEM’s Scientific Advisory Committee To Meet

Release Date
04/10/2012

First Meeting for 12 New Distinguished Scientific Members

WASHINGTON — The Outer Continental Shelf Scientific Committee, the federal advisory committee for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, will hold a public meeting on February 8–9, 2012, in Reston, Va. The OCS Scientific Committee is a public federal advisory committee of 15 distinguished scientists representing diverse scientific fields such as marine biology and ecology, physical sciences and social sciences. Committee members advise 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 meeting of the OCS Scientific Committee since Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar appointed 12 new members in October 2011.   

What: BOEM Outer Continental Shelf Advisory Committee Public Meeting 

When:Wednesday, February 8, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and
            Thursday, February 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Where: Sheraton Reston Hotel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Va. 20191 

Who: BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau will provide opening remarks during the 8:00 a.m. Plenary Session on Wednesday, February 8.

Why: This will be the first of two OCS Scientific Committee meetings taking place in 2012 and will serve as a venue to introduce the newest members to the Environmental Studies Program, meet headquarters and regional staff, and brief the committee about ongoing studies. 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.