Oil, Gas, and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)-Plans and Information-Protection of Marine Mammals and Threatened and Endangered Species

This final rule requires lessees of Federal oil and gas leases in the OCS to provide information on how they will conduct their proposed activities in a manner consistent with provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). It identifies environmental, monitoring, and mitigation information that lessees must submit with plans for exploration and development and production. This final rulemaking specifies what information the MMS needs to ensure compliance with the OCSLA, the ESA, and the MMPA. The final rule will help assure that lessees conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the provisions of the ESA and the MMPA.