FOR RELEASE:  November 15, 1994        CONTACT:  John Barclay
                                               (202) 208-5890

          MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE REGIONAL OFFICES
             ADD TRAINING PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES (#40088)


       The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management
Service (MMS) today announced that day-to-day operation of the
agency's Lessee Training Program will be transferred from MMS
headquarters to regional offices, effective December 1, 1994.

       MMS is the federal agency responsible for managing and
regulating the nation's offshore natural gas, oil and other mineral
resources.  Agency regional offices are located in Anchorage, AK,
Camarillo, CA, and New Orleans, LA.

       The Lessee Training Program ensures that key operating
personnel of lessees and contractors are properly trained in
well-control and production safety systems. 
  
       "This is another instance of our commitment to re-inventing
government," said MMS Acting Director Cynthia Quarterman.  "It is
logical to place this responsibility in the regions where they are
better situated to provide more timely and quality service to our
customers.   

       "Regional staff will review training programs and
implementation plans and conduct onsite evaluations and audits,
while headquarters staff will remain responsible for program
oversight and coordination."

       Quarterman said that the move should decrease the project
management costs while MMS continues to emphasize the safety of
operations and enhance protection of the environment.


                                  -MMS-

Subject: PR-11/15/94 Lessee Training/MMS Regional Office Add
Training Program Responsibilities (#40088)