The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for managing the development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. Decisions informed by the best available science and knowledge are critical components of BOEM’s mission.
BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program?(ESP) develops, funds, and manages rigorous environmental and social science research designed to provide BOEM the necessary information to assess, predict, monitor, and manage potential environmental impacts of the activities it authorizes. As part of this effort, each year BOEM creates the National Studies List (NSL), which identifies ESP studies approved for funding.
BOEM is pleased to announce that the National Studies List for Fiscal Year 2025 has been approved and is available for review. Studies included in the NSL will provide important information on numerous topics including socioeconomic impacts of offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine, air emissions from oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico, impacts to the ocean from floating offshore wind off the Pacific coast, and the potential for using environmental DNA to monitor offshore energy activities.
The NSL is derived from BOEM's annual Studies Development Plan, a list of proposed studies covering a two-year planning period. BOEM will solicit study ideas in the coming weeks as it begins to formulate its plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2027 soon. Please keep an eye out for this announcement in early November.
