Non-Energy Legal Framework

Regulations governing non-energy mineral prospecting, leasing, and production are in 30 CFR Part 280 (prospecting), Part 281 (leasing), and Part 282 (production). The Part 281 regulations were modified in 1994 to allow non-competitive leasing of sand, gravel, and shell material for certain types of public works projects under Public Law 103-426.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. 1331, et. seq.) provides the authority to manage minerals on the OCS. The DOI’s jurisdiction for leasing and regulating the recovery of minerals extends to the subsoil and seabed of all submerged lands seaward of State-owned waters to the limits of the OCS (except where this may be modified by international law or convention or affected by the Presidential Proclamation of March 10, 1983, regarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)). The OCSLA does not authorize BOEM to issue prospecting permits or leases to private interests in the EEZ of a commonwealth or territory of the United States.

Public Law 103-426 (43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2)), allows the Bureau to negotiate, on a noncompetitive basis, the rights to OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for shore protection, beach or wetlands restoration projects, or for use in construction projects funded in whole or part by or authorized by the Federal Government. A 1999 amendment to the law prohibited BOEM from charging federal, state and local government agencies a fee for using OCS sand. For all other uses, such as private use for commercial construction material, a competitive bidding process is required for issuing leases under Section 8(k) of the OCSLA.

Prospecting, Research and Commercial Purposes (Competitive Lease Agreements)   

• 30 CFR Part 580, 581 and 582: Prospecting, Leasing and Operation in the outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf
• 30 CFR Part 280, 281 and 282: Prospecting, Leasing and Operation in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf
• Procedures for Pursuing a Competitive Lease Agreement for Private or Commercial Purposes 

Public Works Project (Non-Competitive Negotiated Lease Agreements)

• Public Law 103-426: Amendment to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act allowing non-competitive negotiated lease agreements.
• Procedures for Pursuing a Negotiated Agreement for the use of Marine Mineral Resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.
   
• Example of Non-Competitive Negotiated Lease Agreements 

In addition to regulations outlined above the BOEM Marine Minerals Program must also comply with numerous environmental statutes, regulations and executive orders to carry out its mission.The BOEM Division of Environmental Assessment (DEA) reviews marine mineral program NEPA and OCSLA reports; provides oversight, policy guidance, and direction for NEPA and other environmental laws and regulations affecting OCS activities; and participates in international conventions and treaty activities. The BOEM Environmental Assessment Program website outlines the legal requirements and environmental policies and procedures that apply to the Outer Continental Leasing. Where available, links are provided to other websites with the full text of the laws, relevant regulations, and guidance issued by other agencies.