FOR RELEASE: August 2, 1995                 CONTACT:  Tom DeRocco
                                                   (202) 208-3983

                                     
          INTERIOR REFOCUSES REINVENTION FOR MMS 


     The Interior Department announced today that it will focus
its efforts to reinvent and streamline the Minerals Management
Service (MMS) within its current structure rather than devolving
it to the states and tribes.

     Interior's announcement comes in response to concerns that
the MMS's key stakeholders raised about its earlier devolution
proposal.

     Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Bob
Armstrong, said, "This has been a constructive dialogue.  As the
National Performance Review suggests, we've consulted with our
stakeholders and we've listened to them.  The dialogue from the
July 18-19 Denver outreach meeting, added to other comments we've
received, have provided valuable feedback and constructive
information for MMS.  It is now time to move on and focus instead
on other streamlining initiatives for MMS." 

     "Clearly, stakeholders have agreed that neither the status
quo, nor the devolution proposal, are acceptable.  Between these
two ends of the spectrum, we must forge a program that better
meets the needs of all constituents," said MMS Director Cynthia
Quarterman.

     "The reinvention process continues," said Armstrong.  "MMS
will now move forward with its many current and planned
streamlining initiatives.  The bureau will also continue to work
with all constituents to look for new, creative ways to conduct
its business better.  I hope that the new Royalty Policy
Committee will join forces with us to advance the streamlining
options put on the table over the past four months."   

     Added Quarterman, "Working with our stakeholders has been an
important part of what we have done for the last three years.  We
will keep looking for ways to trim costs, work smarter and more
efficiently, and meet our royalty collection responsibilities." 

     The proposal to transfer the Offshore Energy and Minerals Management
Program to another federal agency is also withdrawn. 
                          --MMS--