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Welcome to our web site. Thank you for taking the
time to visit with us.
On July 30, 2008, Interior Secretary Kempthorne
and I announced a major
new energy initiative for the nation's Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS). Today's action not only highlights the important role the OCS
plays in meeting America's energy needs -- it will also open
discussions across the country about how best to expand the nation's
domestic energy production.
In light of the current energy situation and
President Bush’s lifting of the Executive Withdrawal, Secretary
Kempthorne directed the MMS to begin the initial steps for
developing a
new Five-Year Program. We are, in effect, getting a two-year
jumpstart on that process, but it is still a multi-step and
multi-year effort to develop the program.
The current Five-Year Program took effect on July
1, 2007 at a time when oil was only $64 a barrel and does not
contain many of the areas that were under Withdrawal and remain
under Congressional ban. Should the Congressional ban be lifted, a
new program would have to be developed to make those areas
available.
This action is designed to encourage discussions
about the OCS areas of greatest interest, with the greatest
potential. New areas will not be available for leasing until the new
Five-Year Program is complete, having incorporated multiple rounds
of public comment, and Congressional approval.
This initiative will not circumvent or abbreviate
our environmental review process and consultation obligations with
coastal States and other stakeholders. MMS stands committed to
meeting America's energy needs while continuing to protect our
marine and coastal environments. Please visit our “Environmental”
section to see some of the current environmental work we are
providing.
This action is in addition to our development of
the
Alternative Energy/Alternative Use program in the OCS. For more
information on that rulemaking process, please visit our “Rules
Development” section.
(07/31/2008)
Randall Luthi
Director ,
Minerals Management Service
Media Contact:
Blossom Robinson
202-208-3985
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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