ABSTRACT

Energy exploration and production in the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico are conducted under a comprehensive, environmental legislative and regulatory regime. There are indications that this regime may be evolving in the direction of more restrictive requirements. Anticipating future requirements is important to ensure that informed decisions are made by lawmakers and regulators and also by the exploration and production industry. Anticipating legislative and regulatory trends could help industry understand what information would be helpful to lawmakers and regulators, contribute to industry's having an effective voice in the development of requirements, and stimulate the industry to develop alternatives that may be more responsive and cost effective.

Emerging and evolving Gulf of Mexico environmental issues include drilling fluids and produced waters discharge, naturally occurring radioactive material emission, natural resource damage assessment, Gulf of Mexico program continuation, air emissions, toxic release inventory reporting expansion, and exploration and production associated waste management. Charting a successful course through these issues may require new ways of working--both within industry and beyond.

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