Content:
    Terry Scholten

 Pagemasters:
    OEMM Web Team

A 5-Year Program consists of a schedule of oil and gas lease sales indicating the size, timing and location of proposed leasing activity the Secretary determines will best meet national energy needs for the five year period following its approval. An area must be included in the current 5-Year Program in order to be offered for leasing. Section 18 (132.38 KB PDF) of the OCS Lands Act (286.05 KB PDF) prescribes the major steps (17.68 KB PDF) involved in developing a 5-Year Program including extensive public comment steps. A 5-Year Program balances energy needs and environmental considerations.

	Preparation of the New OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program On January 16, 2009, MMS announced the release of the Draft Proposed Program (DPP). The DPP seeks public comment on all aspects of the new program for 2010-2015 including energy development and economic and environmental issues in the OCS areas.
	Secretary Salazar announced, on February 10, 2009, that he:

	extended the comment period on the Draft Proposed Program by 180 days, "The additional time we are providing will give states, stakeholders, and affected communities the opportunity to provide input on the future of our offshore areas."
	tasked the MMS and the United States Geological Survey to produce a report on the offshore resources and potential impacts by the end of March
	would conduct 4 regional meetings, one each for the Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast, Atlantic Coast, and Alaska, following the publication of the report.

	Federal Register Notice of Availability of DPP (64.55 KB PDF; 1/21/2009)
	Press Release (1/16/2009)
	Frequently Asked Questions  (2/17/2009)
	How to Comment on the DPP
	Current OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Program: 2007- 2012

      Current OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Program Sale Schedule: 2007-2012

      Past 5-Year Programs