Regulations governing non-energy mineral prospecting, leasing, and production are in 30 CFR Part 280 (prospecting), Part 281 (leasing), and Part 282 (production). The Part 281 regulations were modified in 1994 to allow non-competitive leasing of sand, gravel, and shell material for certain types of public works projects under Public Law 103-426 (81.38 KB PDF file).

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (126.13 KB PDF file) (43 U.S.C. 1331, et. seq.) provides the authority to manage minerals on the OCS. The DOI’s jurisdiction for leasing and regulating the recovery of minerals extends to the subsoil and seabed of all submerged lands seaward of State-owned waters to the limits of the OCS (except where this may be modified by international law or convention or affected by the Presidential Proclamation of March 10, 1983, regarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)). The OCSLA does not authorize MMS to issue prospecting permits or leases to private interests in the EEZ of a commonwealth or territory of the United States.

Public Law 103-426 (81.38 KB PDF file) (43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2)), allows the MMS to negotiate, on a noncompetitive basis, the rights to OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for shore protection, beach or wetlands restoration projects, or for use in construction projects funded in whole or part by or authorized by the Federal Government. A 1999 amendment to the law prohibited MMS from charging federal, state and local government agencies a fee for using OCS sand. For all other uses, such as private use for commercial construction material, a competitive bidding process is required for issuing leases under Section 8(k) of the OCSLA (126.13 KB PDF file).

In addition to regulations outlined above the MMS Marine Minerals Program must also comply with numerous environmental statutes, regulations and executive orders to carry out its mission. The MMS Branch of Environmental Assessment (BEA) reviews marine mineral program NEPA and OCSLA reports; provides oversight, policy guidance, and direction for NEPA and other environmental laws and regulations affecting OCS activities; and participates in international conventions and treaty activities. The MMS Environmental Assessment Program website outlines the legal requirements and environmental policies and procedures that apply to the Outer Continental Leasing. Where available, links are provided to other websites with the full text of the laws, relevant regulations, and guidance issued by other agencies.

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Last Updated: 12/03/2008, 12:25 PM