Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf: Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf; Reopening of Comment Period

What it does

• •Reopens the public comment period for a proposed rule on exploratory drilling requirements in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf
• •Extends the comment deadline by 30 additional days to December 14, 2026, after the original 60-day comment period closed on October 5, 2026
• •Allows continued submission of comments through multiple channels including the Federal eRulemaking Portal, mail, and email using RIN 1082-AA05

Why it matters

• •The Department received requests to extend the comment period, and is providing additional time for stakeholders to review and comment on proposed regulatory revisions affecting Arctic oil, gas, and sulfur operations
• •The reopening extends an opportunity for public input on rules governing exploratory drilling activities on the federal Outer Continental Shelf in Arctic waters

Who is affected

• •Oil and gas companies and operators conducting or seeking to conduct exploratory drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf
• •The public and stakeholders with interest in Arctic energy regulations, who may submit comments through the reopened comment period

What happens next

Comments must be submitted by December 14, 2026, after which the Department will consider all submitted comments before finalizing the proposed rule.