Environmental Studies Program (ESP) History: Established in the 1970's, the ESP
is a highly focused marine research program that is designed to provide the environmental
information necessary for informed decisions on OCS energy and nonenergy mineral planning
and development activities. The ESP supports the 5-Year OCS Leasing Program and provides
the MMS decisionmakers, States, and local governments with information necessary to ensure
that offshore activities, at all stages, are conducted in an environmentally safe manner.
OCS Planning Areas
The Minerals Management Advisory Board, previously known as the OCS Advisory Board,
provides a formal mechanism for consultation with affected States and other interested
parties on all aspects of leasing, exploration, development, and protection of offshore
resources. As part of this Board, the OCS Scientific
Committee advises MMS on the feasibility, appropriateness, and scientific value of the
ESP; reviews the information produced by the ESP and may recommend changes in scope,
direction or emphasis; and reflects, through its membership, a balance of scientific and
technical disciplines considered important to the management of the ESP.
For more information, contact Elizabeth
Burkhard.
