James Bennett named as BOEM’s new Chief for OREP

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has appointed James Bennett as BOEM’s new Chief for the Office of Renewable Energy Programs (OREP) — the program responsible for overseeing offshore renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Bennett has 35 years of experience in Federal service, where he served as the Chief of the Division of Environmental Assessment overseeing BOEM’s compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws focusing on the Federal Outer Continental Shelf programs, including oil and gas, sand and gravel, and renewable energy.

BOEM’s Director Abigail Ross Hopper said: “As we continue to expand our renewable energy program, and work to get steel in the water, I am confident that Jim’s expertise in environmental review will facilitate the timely but thorough analysis needed to further advance the Nation’s offshore wind energy program.”

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of offshore conventional and renewable energy resources.

Image: BOEM