MMS, FERC Issue Guidance on Wave, Tide, and Current Projects

On August 4, the Interior Department's Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jointly released their MMS/FERC Guidance on Regulation of Hydrokinetic Energy Projects on the OCS. The new guidance document explains general requirements, lease and license procedures, lease and license terms, financial assurance requirements, fee structures, and other pertinent information for the development of the OCS. Regarding hydrokinetic energy projects in the OCS, MMS has authority over site leases and FERC has authority over operating licenses.