Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Permit Program in the Pacific Southwest

EPA Region 9 is the agency responsible for implementing and enforcing Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sources offshore the state seaward boundary of the State of California (see CAA section 328). Applicants located within 25 nautical miles of a state seaward boundary are required to comply with the air quality requirements of the nearest onshore area, including applicable permitting requirements.

Applicants locating beyond 25 nautical miles from the state seaward boundary, are subject to federal air quality requirements and will likely need an OCS permit complying with the EPA’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) preconstruction permit program (see 40 CFR 52.219), and/or Title V operating permit program requirements (see 40 CFR 71). EPA strongly recommends that potential applicants review the OCS Permitting Process below and contact EPA Region 9 to determine what requirements apply. 

Region 9 has delegated authority to the following California agencies for implementation of the OCS permitting program within the 25 nautical miles of the state seaward boundary.  

- There are no OCS permits issued by EPA Region 9 at this time -