Energy systems operate within a highly regulated climate. Argonne has historical experience and demonstrated leadership in supporting operational or process safety and the establishment of secure domestic energy supply. More recently, it has expanded its focus to address sustainability with respect to climate change. In both regards, Argonne directly supports the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in adopting change and adapting to increasingly complex regulatory responsibilities and activities.  Argonne’s expertise covers the gamut of support that is needed for these undertakings, including science and engineering as well as legal scholarship in determining which technical approaches are realistic and in step with the overarching policy landscape.  Other relevant capabilities align with environmental and economic assessments of actions.

The breadth of Argonne’s cross-laboratory capabilities enables the Upstream Energy Analysis group to apply innovative models, software and tools to address executive orders and directives. For example, Argonne’s Systems Assessments Center developed the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model for life-cycle analysis of advanced vehicle technologies, transportation fuels, and other energy systems. Argonne uses this tool to form data-based guidance about what can be done to limit emissions during offshore exploration, drilling and production.