WASHINGTON — Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced that the Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee (OESC) will hold its third public meeting on Monday, November 7, 2011 and Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
'This advisory committee plays a critical role in our ongoing efforts to address some of the most significant safety issues involved in offshore energy exploration and development,' said Director Bromwich. 'The recommendations developed by the Committee will assist our agency in dealing with the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technologies and developing appropriate standards to enhance operational safety and provide for greater environmental protection.'
The OESC is a public federal advisory body of the nation’s leading scientific, engineering and technical experts. Chaired by former Sandia National Laboratory Director Dr. Tom Hunter, the group consists of 15 members from federal agencies, the offshore oil and gas industry, academia and various research organizations. The Committee will provide critical policy advice to Secretary of the Interior through the BSEE Director on improving all aspects of ocean energy safety.
On Monday, November 7, the OESC will address the progress it has made in developing outreach to the academic community and the states. In addition, OESC subcommittees will report on the progress made in developing interim recommendations on oil spill prevention, containment, spill response and safety management systems for the OESC’s consideration and action.
On Tuesday, November 8, the OESC will address BSEE’s incident data analysis and the development and implementation of safety and environmental management systems and review both the findings of the Deepwater Horizon Joint Investigation Team and BSEE’s proposed rule on revisions to safety and environmental management systems.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Department of the Interior’s South Interior Building Auditorium, located at 1951 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011 and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Approximately 90 visitors can be accommodated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please be aware that the South Interior Building is a Federal Government facility and Government issued picture identification must be presented to enter the building.
Secretary Salazar and Director Bromwich announced the establishment of the OESC on Jan. 19, 2011. More information is available at: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Names-Members-of-Ocean-Energy-Safety-Advisory-Committee-to-Guide-Oil-and-Gas-Regulatory-Program-Reform.cfm.
Information about the meeting is available for public inspection in the Federal Register today: http://www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx#reg_B