FY 2010 Louisiana Coastal Marine Institute

archived

The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to Louisiana State University (LSU) and others within the LSU system that have the ability to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy production and meet the goals of the Minerals Management Service Offshore Energy & Minerals Management Program. The Offshore Energy and Minerals Management program oversees the exploration and development of renewable energy alternatives and oil, natural gas and other minerals on the nation’s outer continental shelf. Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. MMS seeks studies from Louisiana State University that will provide public benefit in several ways. It will stimulate the application of science to problem solving and protection of natural resources. It will promote educational opportunities in the ocean sciences and it will lead to protection of natural resources of value. The research will inform the public and resource managers at the local, state and federal level who make decisions about issues relating to offshore oil, gas, renewable energy and other marine minerals. This Program announcement provides the vehicle for the Louisiana State University to submit the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 requested proposals to the MMS. Other university researchers and organizations interested in collaborating with the Louisiana State University in FY 2010 can contact them at the address shown in Section VIII of the attached program announcement.

High