Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Environmental Studies (ES) (15.423)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Environmental Studies (ES) (Assistance Listing 15.423) is run by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, part of the Department of the Interior. It awarded $34.9 million in 57 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $612,245 per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $450,000. Half of the 57 awards fell between $259,919 and $750,000, and they ranged from $14,682 to $3.4 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$34.9 million
- Grant awards57
- Typical award$450,000
- Awarded in FY 2025$2.8 million
- Size rank1,141 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceCooperative agreements
Key findings
- Annual funding fell from $5.9 million in fiscal 2021 to $2.8 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 1141st largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 20 largest recipients received 87% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 14 states and territories.
What the program funds
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
State agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states may apply. More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance. Scientists from other institutions may participate in collaboration with a principal investigator from a State agency or public university.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Applications must be for scientific research projects which are within the BOEM' area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of long-term effects of oil and gas, marine minerals and development projects. Funds can also be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results. Funds are not normally used for capitalization.
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. No statutory requirements. Cost sharing of 1:1 is encouraged.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Award range and average, in the agency's words
Range is $150,000 to $5,500,000; Average $320,000
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: Characterization of water column habitats to understand potential impacts from deepwater energy and mineral development in the Pacific Ocean; BOEM marine long-term monitoring program of rocky intertidal habitats and species adjacent to OPS oil and gas operations in the Pacific region, 2023–2028 University-led offshore analysis of seafloor instability and sediments (OASIS) partnership with applications to offshore safety and marine archaeology.Fiscal Year2026: The program anticipates funding scientific research that advances understanding of offshore environments and supports environmentally responsible management of offshore energy and marine mineral resources. Examples include studies of beluga whale feeding behavior and fish and invertebrate communities in Cook Inlet, Alaska; socioeconomic effects of the offshore petroleum industry on Gulf Coast communities; maritime heritage resources in the U.S. Pacific Territories; marine ecosystem characterization; protected species research; cultural resource investigations; and offshore renewable energy environmental studies.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Environmental Studies (ES) (15.423) awarded $34.9 million across 57 grant awards, an average of $612,245 per award.
Who usually wins
Colleges and universities received 83% of the money, state and local governments 9.3% and nonprofits 5.6%.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and universities | 42 | $29.0 million | 83% |
| State and local governments | 5 | $3.3 million | 9.3% |
| Nonprofits | 5 | $1.9 million | 5.6% |
| Other | 4 | $542,773 | 1.6% |
| Tribal governments and organizations | 1 | $158,650 | 0.4% |
By state
8 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 15 | $9.0 million |
| Alaska | 9 | $6.3 million |
| North Carolina | 6 | $5.1 million |
| Louisiana | 5 | $5.1 million |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $2.8 million |
| New Jersey | 3 | $1.4 million |
| Texas | 4 | $1.4 million |
| Florida | 3 | $1.2 million |
| Oregon | 3 | $972,200 |
| Colorado | 1 | $499,271 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $492,865 |
| Georgia | 1 | $239,315 |
| Maine | 1 | $199,920 |
| New York | 1 | $197,703 |