The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the primary body that regulates oil and gas companies, although a number of other federal offices oversee specific components of the oil and gas industry.
-
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oil and Gas page
BLM regulates federal onshore lands. Their website on the government's oil and gas program contain lease sale information, forms, statistics, and enforcement guidelines.
-
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Formally the Minerals Management Service along with BSEE, BOEM is responsible for providing leases for exploring federal offshore lands. It is divided into four regions: Alaska, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific. Its official website contains regulations, governing statutes, and GIS data.
-
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
Formally the Minerals Management Service along with BOEM, BSEE is responsible for enforcing safety and environmental regulations of offshore oil and gas resources. In addition to their safety bulletin, their website has a data center, planning and preparedness information, and incident statistics.
-
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA is responsible for emission regulations, including sulfur standards. Use the search to find reports, FAQs, and other information on oil and gas topics.
-
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The official website of FERC, which regulates pipeline rates to encourage maximum use and regulates interstate transportation practices of oil and gas companies.
-
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Much like the name implies, PHMSA assesses the safety and performance of pipelines. Their website includes data on incidents, information on regulations and permits, and research on pipeline safety. The office is organizationally a part of the Department of Transportation.
-
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC ensures financial and organizational compliance of interstate public utility holdings, as well as publicly traded companies in the oil and gas industry.
-
The Department of Energy manages the United States' nuclear infrastructure and administers the country's energy policy. The Department of Energy also funds scientific research in the field. It is the parent agency for the Energy Information Agency, and the Office of Fossil Energy.
-
While not a regulatory agency, the U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for responding to oil spills offshore.
