The Minerals Management
Service (MMS) Environmental Studies Program began in 1973 as a means
to gather and synthesize environmental, social, and economic
information to support decision making for
the offshore oil and gas program. Since its beginning, the
National Environmental Studies Program has contracted for more than $600
million dollars of studies throughout the coastal zone of the
continental United States. These funds have supported studies of all
aspects needed for a thorough understanding of the complex nature of
the Alaskan Outer Continental Shelf and have aided in the wise
protection of its valuable resources. The MMS uses information from
the studies program in evaluating potential environmental
problems associated with all levels of oil and gas activities.
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