30 CFR § 251.3 - Authority and applicability of this part.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t30/s251.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "30 CFR § 251.3 - Authority and applicability of this part."
title_number: 30
title_name: "Mineral Resources"
section_number: "251.3"
section_name: "Authority and applicability of this part."
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "OFFSHORE"
part_number: "251"
part_name: "GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334."
regulatory_source: "76 FR 64462, Oct. 18, 2011, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "251"
---
# 251.3 Authority and applicability of this part.
BSEE authorizes you to conduct exploration or scientific research activities under this part in accordance with the Act, the regulations in this part, orders of the Director/Regional Director, and other applicable statutes, regulations, and amendments.
(a) This part does not apply to G&G exploration conducted by or on behalf of the lessee on a lease in the OCS. Refer to 30 CFR part 550 if you plan to conduct G&G activities related to oil, gas, or sulphur under terms of a lease.
(b) Federal agencies are exempt from the regulations in this part.
(c) G&G exploration or G&G scientific research related to minerals other than oil, gas, and sulphur is covered by regulations at 30 CFR part 580.