MMS HONORS BEST IN INDUSTRY

The best in the oil and natural gas industry are being recognized for safe operations, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility at the annual Minerals Management Service Industry Awards Program and Luncheon today in Houston.

"We must balance the critical search for offshore energy and mineral resources with the protection of the human, marine and coastal environment," said MMS Director R.M. "Johnnie" Burton. "It is also important that the taxpayers receive a fair market value for energy resources on federal lands. This awards program recognizes the companies that not only meet our tough standards but exceed them."

The Corporate Leadership Award (CORLA) is given to individuals that have worked closely with MMS to improve revenue collection and processes for offshore development. The Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) recognizes outstanding safety and pollution prevention achievement by offshore oil and gas operators and contractors.

The Minerals Revenues Stewardship Award recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional compliance with minerals revenues laws and federal financial requirements. The Corporate Citizen Award is presented to the best of the best in industry that have demonstrated the highest commitment to safety, stewardship, and resource management.

Currently in its fourth year, the awards program highlights the efforts of MMS to further increase the visibility of safe offshore operators and contractors, promote the exchange of information among industry and encourage good corporate citizenship in all aspects of lessee responsibility.

"We are pleased to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, cooperation, and support for the MMS offshore and minerals revenue programs," said Burton. "They are excellent corporate customers and their dedication has been extremely beneficial for the MMS in its management of revenue collection and offshore development."

The 2001 SAFE Award winners are:

Danos & Curole Marine Contractors, Inc.

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

The 2001 Mineral Revenues Stewardship Award winners are:

Marathon Oil Corporation
Peabody Energy

Exxon Mobil Company is the winner of the Corporate Citizen Award, an honor given to an outstanding company for both offshore operating performance and fiscal responsibility.

Also recognized are the winners of the 2001 MMS CORLA award for performing an act or service that enhanced the mission and objectives of the MMS.

The 2001CORLA winners are:

Willie Ard, Diamond Offshore

Mark Brown, SPL’s Project Management Group

Robert A. Church, C&C Technologies, Inc.

Cortis Cooper, Chevron/Texas Exploration Petroleum Technology Company

Vincent F. Cottone, Texaco Exploration & Production Inc.

Mary B. Dokianos, Shell Exploration and Production Company

Kim Fawvor, Apache Corporation

Tom Gladney, Arguello, Inc.

Nick Glover, British Petroleum Exploration (Alaska)

Rob W. Hain, Reliant Energy Services, Inc.
Charles E. Mertz, Dynegy Marketing and Trade, Inc.

Robert Moran, National Ocean Industries Association

Russell E. Putt, British Petroleum
Sharon K. Redding, True Companies

Daniel F. Riemer, Marathon Oil Company

Jack Schneider, Sr, J. Schneider and Associates, Ltd.
Philip B. Smith, Shell Exploration and Production Company

Jeanne H. Waguespack, Chevron Information Technology

Daniel Warren, C&C Technologies, Inc.

Jeff Wild, SPL’s Project Management Group

MMS is the federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation's oil, natural gas and other mineral resources on the outer continental shelf in federal offshore waters. The agency also collects, accounts for and disburses mineral revenues from federal and Indian leases. These revenues totaled nearly $10 billion in 2001 and more than $120 billion since the agency was created in 1982. Annually, nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition and development of state and federal park and recreation lands.