Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

The Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement (BSEE) is the lead agency charged with ensuring safety and environmental protection related to the offshore energy industry on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

- Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement

Summary

Established in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement (BSEE) is the lead agency charged with ensuring safety and environmental protection related to the offshore energy industry on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

BSEE has the authority to inspect, investigate, summon witnesses, produce evidence, levy penalties, cancel or suspend activities, and oversee safety, response, and removal preparedness relating to the offshore energy industry on the OCS under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. This helps ensure that the federal government can keep corporations and energy developers responsible for their use of federally managed waters and land.

With offices from coast to coast, BSEE plays an important role not only in ensuring safe and regulated energy production, but also the balanced development of energy resources. Furthemore, BSEE is tasked with ensuring a fair return to the U.S. taxpayer through revenue collection for the use of federally managed waters and land. 

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) works to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Important Legislation

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953

Learn more from the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement.