This final rule modifies the evaluation criteria for determining whether oil, gas and sulfur lessees, right-of-use and easement grant holders, and pipeline right-of-way grant holders may be required to provide bonds or other financial assurance, above the regulatorily prescribed amounts for base bonds, to ensure compliance with their Outer Continental Shelf obligations.

BOEM held a Government-to-Government consultation with an Indian Tribal Nation during the development of the NPRM and the final rule. BOEM received a range of comments on the NPRM during the public comment period. This final rule addresses feedback received from public comment period and Tribal consultations.