In 2009, the Department of the Interior announced the final regulations for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Renewable Energy Program, which was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). These regulations provide a framework for issuing leases, easements and rights-of-way for OCS activities that support production and transmission of energy from sources other than oil and natural gas.
The Gulf of Mexico Region will facilitate access to and will manage the OCS renewable energy resources through economically and environmentally responsible stewardship, prudent assessments of exploration and leasing activities, coordination with governmental partners, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and mission-focused scientific research to improve decision making and risk management. The Region also coordinates OCS renewable energy regional intergovernmental task force which include the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.