Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Our mission continues...now under the Marine Minerals Administration. This account is transitioning to @interiormma 🌊 and this page will no longer be updated. Follow us for the latest news and information. We look forward to continuing the conversation on the MMA platform.

What could the future of offshore infrastructure look like? We are seeking public input on the potential use of federal waters for offshore space launch and re-entry activities. Learn more and submit comments during the 30-day RFI period: boem.gov/newsroom/press…

We announced the Final Notice of Sale for Gulf of America Lease Sale BBG3, scheduled for Aug. 12. The sale includes about 15,100 unleased blocks across 80.4 million offshore acres and supports the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Details: boem.gov/oil-gas-energy…

From all of us at BOEM and BSEE, we wish everyone a safe, happy, and enjoyable Independence Day!

BOEM is seeking public input on a potential marine minerals lease sale offshore Virginia. The 30-day Request for Information period is now open. Learn more and submit comments: Submit comments by July 23, 2026: ow.ly/foRl50Zfmn2

#Freedom250 Spotlight: Deep-sea polymetallic nodules—potato-sized and packed with cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earths—are found 4,000–7,000 meters below the surface. They support clean tech and national security. #CriticalMinerals

What happens when seawater meets heat from the Earth’s crust? You get polymetallic sulfide deposits—rich in copper, zinc, silver & more. These critical minerals support the tech and energy systems shaping America’s next 250 years. More: ow.ly/v77m50Z5olr #Freedom250

Phosphorites are sedimentary rocks rich in calcium phosphate. Found on the seafloor, they may contain rare earth elements and uranium. These resources are vital to U.S. defense and manufacturing. Our science supports U.S. mineral security for the next 250 years. #Freedom250

Heavy mineral sands—found in shallow U.S. waters—contain titanium, tin, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential to defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Our science supports U.S. strength and supply chain security for the next 250 years. #Freedom250

Ferromanganese crusts grow just 1–4 mm per million years—but they’re rich in cobalt, nickel, copper, and more. Our science helps secure these critical minerals for U.S. clean energy and national security—now and for the next 250 years. More: ow.ly/MQya50Z5mWe #Freedom250

As part of #Freedom250, we support offshore science that helps strengthen mineral supply chains and informs long-term resource planning for the next 250 years. #CriticalMinerals #Technology

Your smartphone depends on critical minerals. Materials such as lithium, aluminum, gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements are used in batteries, processors, displays, and other key components. Learn more: usgs.gov/media/images/c…

On #MemorialDay, we honor the heroic men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. We remain committed to responsibly managing the development of energy, mineral, and geological resources on the Outer Continental Shelf—advancing America's security and energy future.

@ASBPA’s top beach restoration awards celebrate two projects – in Martin Co., FL and Oak Island, NC – using OCS sand and supported by BOEM. OCS sand restores and protects our cherished national beaches. boem.gov/marine-minerals

Happy #InfrastructureWeek! Critical minerals are essential to our infrastructure, technology & defense. We manage the development of mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, evaluate marine minerals deposits, and oversee leasing and environmental and technical reviews.

Through responsible offshore energy development, we are reinvesting offshore energy revenues into America’s future. Revenues generated from offshore oil and gas activities support local economies, restoration efforts, fisheries, and critical infrastructure. #InfrastructureWeek

BOEM’s offshore oil and gas leasing program—guided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program—provides a structured path for future offshore infrastructure, investment, and energy development while balancing environmental considerations.

It’s #InfrastructureWeek! Offshore infrastructure powers America’s energy future. Through planning, coordination, leasing, and responsible resource management, we help lay the foundation for future offshore energy development across the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

Using UAVs allows scientists to collect data in a safer way while improving our understanding of whale behavior and habitat use. This research is informing mitigation strategies to protect these endangered species during offshore energy activities. youtube.com/watch?v=96TXJv…

@BOEM and @NOAA successfully placed digital acoustic tags on 14 sei whales in waters offshore Massachusetts in 2022—the first-time researchers had successfully tagged an endangered species in the U.S. using an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone.

It’s #EndangeredSpeciesDay! The sei whale is one of the most endangered large whales in the North Atlantic. Through collaboration with @NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, we are shedding important light on sei whale acoustic behavior.