In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is filing comment and withholding approval at this time. The agency shall examine public comment in response to the proposed rulemaking and will include in the supporting statement of the next ICRâwhich is to be submitted to OMB at the final rule stageâa description of how the agency has responded to any public comments on the ICR, including comments on maximizing the practical utility of the collection and minimizing the burden.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2027
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2027
1,291
0
1,291
286,144
0
286,144
3,688,524
0
3,688,524
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in conjunction with the Bureau of Environment, Safety and Security (BSEE) prepared a notice of proposed rulemaking, entitled Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental ShelfâRevisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.
The purpose of the new rulemaking is to revise its existing regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Arctic OCS, to reduce unnecessary burdens on stakeholders while ensuring that energy exploration on the Arctic OCS is safe and environmentally responsible.
The current OMB Control Number 1010-0151 accounts for 286,144 annual burden hours with 1,291 responses, and $3,688,524 non-hour cost burdens.
This proposed rule would add and remove requirements for submitting exploration plans and other information before conducting oil and gas exploration drilling activities on the Arctic OCS. If this rule becomes final and effective, annual burden hours for OMB Control Number 1010-0151 would decrease by 2,830 hours, totaling 283,314 annual burden hours with with 1,290 responses (decrease of 1 response).
BOEM proposes to remove the IOP requirements in (30 CFR 550.200-.206). Removing the IOP provision would decrease the annual burden hours by 1 response and 2,880 hours. (- 1 response and 2,880 annual burden hours).
BOEM proposes to add a requirement to 30 CFR 550.211(b) designed to describe operational safety procedures that the operator has developed specific to conditions relevant on the Arctic OCS in the EP. Retaining this provision would lessen the 2,880 hour burden decrease by 50 annual burden hours (i.e., by retaining 50 annual burden hours).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form BOEM-0139 Air Emissions DOCD and DPP
2026.08.06_NPRM_0151 Supporting Statement.docx
30 CFR Part 550 Subpart B (up to date as of 2-02-2026).pdf
200-209; 211-228; 231-285 - Contents of Exploration Plans (EP)