ir Regulations
Affecting Exploration and Production: MMS Regulation of Offshore Activities in the Gulf of
Mexico
Richard Defenbaugh
Minerals Management Service, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70123
e:mail richard_dfenbaugh@smtp.mms.gov
Introduction
During the past few years, concerns about air emissions from OCS activities have gained
higher visibility and more attention than before. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
passed responsibility for regulation of OCS air quality issues to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), except for the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico areas, which
remain under Minerals Management Service (MMS) jurisdiction. Recent and ongoing studies
have demonstrated to MMS managers a valid concern for the impact of OCS emissions on
coastal areas. Existing regulations may eventually be limiting factors for leasing and
development in certain highly sensitive areas of the Gulf.
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