FY 2012 Environmental Studies Program

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The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering two cooperative agreement opportunities to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy and mineral production on the nation's outer continental shelf. The BOEM 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. 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 energy 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. The total amount of funding available in Fiscal Year 2012 under this amendment to this NOFA is an amount not to exceed $800,000. The BOEM anticipates making two cooperative agreement awards for proposals to be submitted by the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts under this program announcement. Work performance under this award must start before September 30, 2012.

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