Interior Department Selects New Members for BOEM Scientific Committee

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Tommy P. Beaudreau today announced the appointment of 15 experts representing diverse scientific fields as members of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Scientific Committee – a group that advises BOEM on the agency's offshore environmental studies, which inform policy decisions regarding development of Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources.

“The membership of this important committee is made up of distinguished scientists representing several disciplines to advise the Department on the scientific integrity of BOEM's research,” said Secretary Salazar. “This is another important step as we continue to move forward with offshore energy development in a responsible manner guided by the best science, and I appreciate the members' willingness to contribute their time and their expertise to this important effort.”

“It is critical that we have robust, reliable and forward-looking information as we make decisions regarding future energy development,” said Director Beaudreau. “This committee supplies critical input on our research priorities and provides an external peer review to ensure our science remains world-class and that we are appropriately addressing the information needs of the bureau and the department.”

OCS Scientific Committee members are selected based on their expertise and reputation in the scientific community and ability to represent important elements of BOEM's research and science information needs. Members serve a three-year term and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. After a two-year break in service, a member is again eligible for appointment.

The committee's next meeting is expected in spring 2012, at which time they will select the chair. The committee meets at least annually, and meetings are open to the public.

The OCS Scientific Committee is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. More information and the new membership list are available at: http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/Public-Engagement/Federal-Advisory-Committees/OCS-Scientific-Committee/Index.aspx.

For more information on BOEM'S Environmental Studies Program, go to: http://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Stewardship/Environmental-Studies/Environmental-Studies.aspx.

###