Public Comment in support of subpart B's information collection

From: Tim Ragen [mailto:tragen@mmc.gov] Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 4:00 PM To: Blundon, Cheryl Cc: Melissa Herman Subject: Info collection - BSEE oil, gas, and sulphur operations on the OCS - OMB No. 1014- NEW Dear Ms. Blundon: The Marine Mammal Commission has reviewed the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s Federal Register notice regarding an information collection request to meet the paperwork requirements of 30 C.F.R. Part 250, Subpart B, Plans and Information, Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (77 Fed. Reg. 58858). The information collection request was previously approved under the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and does not make any changes to the burden hours or other requirements associated with that information collection activity (OMB No. 1010-0151). Regulations pertaining to exploration, development, and production operations are an important means of ensuring that oil and gas activities on the Outer Continental Shelf are conducted in such a manner that minimizes harm to marine mammals and their habitats. To implement these regulations, the Bureau requires that operators submit detailed exploration plans or development and production plans. The Bureau must then analyze and evaluate each plan to ensure the proposed activities are safe; will not adversely affect the marine, coastal, or human environment; and will conserve the resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. The Bureau must also ensure the plans are in compliance with all applicable laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and meet other requirements as specified in regulations at 30 CFR Part 250 (Subpart B). Accordingly, the Commission supports the Bureau’s request that the Office of Management and Budget approve the collection of information related to exploration, development, and production operations on the Outer Continental Shelf, as specified in OMB No. 1014-NEW. Sincerely, Timothy J. Ragen, Ph.D. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_________________________________ Timothy J. Ragen, Ph.D. Executive Director U.S. Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 U.S.A. 301.504.0087 (office) 301.504.0101 (direct) 301.233.9179 (cell) tragen@mmc.gov http://www.mmc.gov _________________________________