Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Decommissioning Activities

This final rule amends MMS regulations governing oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to update decommissioning requirements. The rule includes requirements for plugging a well, decommissioning a platform and pipeline, and clearing a lease site. We restructured the requirements to make the regulations easier to read and understand. The final rule also updates requirements to reflect changes in technology. The final technical changes will help ensure that lessees and pipeline right-of-way holders conduct decommissioning operations safely and effectively.