Dr. James Kendall to Serve as Acting Alaska Regional Director

Washington – Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced that Dr. James Kendall will serve as the Acting Director of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region beginning on January 1, 2011. The current Director of the Alaska Region, John Goll, is retiring effective December 31, 2010.

Dr. Kendall currently serves as the Chief of BOEMRE’s Environmental Division, where he is responsible for overseeing the Bureau’s $30 million applied environmental and socioeconomic research program, its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act, its environmental compliance responsibilities and the Coastal Impact Assistance Program. Prior to joining the BOEMRE Headquarters Office in 2000, Dr. Kendall served as the Chief of the Environmental Sciences Section of BOEMRE’s Gulf of Mexico Region.

“At a time when offshore activities in Alaska are under careful review and consideration by the Department of the Interior and BOEMRE, Jim will serve at a critical time while we search for a permanent head of the Region,” said Director Bromwich. “We’re focused on a number of important issues in attempting to ensure that offshore energy operations be assessed carefully and responsibly, and with appropriate weight given to the special circumstances in the Arctic. Given his strong scientific background, Jim has the right background and credentials to lead the Alaska Region during this period.”

Goll retires after 41 years in public service, having led the Alaska Region as Director since 1997. Goll joined the bureau as an environmental scientist in 1982 after service in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

“I’m grateful for John’s service and dedication to the people of Alaska and to the Department of the Interior,” said Director Bromwich. “During my tenure as Director, John has been the consummate professional, serving as an important resource on Arctic issues. We wish John and his family the very best.”

BOEMRE’s Alaska Region oversees the exploration and development of oil and gas resources on the outer continental shelf off Alaska. This includes assessments of the oil and gas resources, preparation of environmental analyses and research, coordination with local, state, tribal and federal governments, and others interested in the OCS program.

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