FY 2013 Environmental Studies Program

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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 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. This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following two projects only: COSEE Support to the Environmental Studies Programs Education and Outreach Efforts (University of Rhode Island via the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)) and Applications for Mapping Spilled Oil in Arctic Waters (University of Alaska Fairbanks via the North and Western Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)).

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