|
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.
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.
 |
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. |
Current OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Program Sale Schedule: 2007-2012
Past 5-Year Programs
|
