BSEE appoints regulatory programs chief

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has appointed Doug Morris as the new chief of the agency’s regulatory programs, BSEE announced Nov. 1. Morris will be responsible for developing and maintaining technical and operational standards; developing new regulations; and enhancing inspections and enforcement programs. He will also lead efforts to improve offshore operational safety and supervise BSEE’s National Offshore Learning and Training Center, BSEE said.

Morris comes from the Energy Information Agency, or EIA, where he was director of the Reserves and Production Division and then became responsible for the Oil and Gas Supply and Financial Statistics Team. Prior to serving in EIA he served as group director for upstream and industry operations in the American Petroleum Institute. Morris had previously worked in the U.S. Minerals Management Service and in private industry.

“Throughout the recruitment process, we have looked for people who are technically skilled and experienced, who have a strong commitment to public service, and who can spearhead our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of offshore exploration and production,” said BSEE Director Michael Bromwich when announcing Morris’s appointment.“Because of his vast and diverse experience, both within the federal government and in private industry, Doug Morris brings to the agency a blend of personal qualities and professional qualifications that will help us achieve our goals. I look forward to having Doug on our team in this very important job.”

—Alan Bailey