About the OCS Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Programmatic EIS

A guide to the OCS Alternative Energy Programmatic EIS document, the Programmatic EIS process, scope, and schedule.

The Final OCS Alternative Energy Programmatic EIS is now available for downloading and online browsing. The EIS Guide provides an annotated table of contents with links to each chapter of the Final Programmatic EIS.

The Programmatic EIS analyzes and documents the environmental and socioeconomic considerations associated with alternative approaches in support of the Alternative Energy and Alternate Use (AEAU) Program. Program activities include development of alternative energy projects and alternate uses for existing offshore facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

See Why the EIS Is Needed to learn more about why MMS prepared the Programmatic EIS.

Scope and Content of the Programmatic EIS

The proposed action analyzed in the programmatic EIS is the establishment of the MMS Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Program on the OCS through rulemaking. The programmatic EIS examines the potential impacts of alternative energy and alternate use activities that could result from implementation of the new authority under the EPAct to issue leases, easements, and rights-of-way from initial site characterization through decommissioning.

See What's in the EIS to learn more about the scope and content of the Programmatic EIS.

The EIS Process

Preparation of the OCS Alternative Energy Programmatic EIS is a multistep process that included publication of a Draft Programmatic EIS, the Final Programmatic EIS, and will include publication of a Record of Decision. These and other programmatic EIS documents are/will be available for downloading and browsing on the Documents page of this Web site.

See How the EIS Was Prepared to learn more about the EIS preparation process.

Programmatic EIS Preparers, Schedule, and Government-to-Government Consultation

Information is also available on the preparers, and schedule, as well as tribal government consultation.

Public participation in the Programmatic EIS is encouraged. See Getting Involved to learn how you can participate in the process.