The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) finalized the Well Control Rule (WCR) in May 2016. With the change in the Administration, PESA joined a Joint Trade group – led by American Petroleum Institute (API) – to seek improvement in the subject rule. Since January, industry experts have worked to identify provisions of the rule that need to be clarified, modified or eliminated.
On May 17, 2017, the Joint Trade group submitted its recommendations to the Department of the Interior (DOI). The Joint Trade provided detailed information on provisions that needed to be addressed. Three major areas of concerns are:
- Requirements for drilling margins
- Provisions that exceed API Standard 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Well
- A requirement that certification be conducted by a BSEE-approved verification organization
As a next step, the Joint Trade group is seeking a meeting with DOI to present its recommendations. If you have any questions, please contact PESA Sr. Director of Public Policy, Jean Gould.
