Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

The letter is attached.

Item 5 (ouch!):

5. Is it accurate to describe BOEM’s agreement with the Sierra Club as a “sue and settle” arrangement?
   a. If so, does BOEM intend to continue making decisions through “sue and settle” tactics?
   b. How can the Committee attain confidence that the BOEM is considering the interest of small businesses in its decision-making when its decisions are made behind closed doors with special interest groups?

Last week, the 5th Circuit heard arguments on the appeal by Earthjustice et al of Judge Cain’s decision to remove the Rice’s whale restrictions from Sale 261 leases. The sale is to be held on Nov. 8 per the 5th Circuit’s order.