U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Office of Communications
NEWS RELEASE
| FOR RELEASE: | June 2, 1997 | CONTACT: | Michael L.
Baugher (303) 231-3162 Anne-Berry Wade (202) 208-3985 |
MMS EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED RULE ON DISCLOSURE
In response to requests for additional time, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service has extended the comment period for a proposed rule to authorize the agency to provide third party proprietary information to appellants and entities involved in administrative appeals. Announced in the June 2, 1997, Federal Register, the agency will accept comments until July 3, 1997. The previous comment period closed on June 3, 1997.Proprietary information is privileged or confidential, commercial or financial information obtained from a third party. This rule would require that the appellants, who request information which MMS uses to assess additional royalties, sign confidentiality and liability agreements before the agency releases the information. Presently, the Trade Secrets Act prohibits MMS from releasing such information, except as authorized by law. This rule would provide such authority.
Comments can be mailed to: Minerals Management Service
Royalty Management Program, Rules and Publications Staff
P.O. Box 25165, MS 3021, Building 85, Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225-0165.
For additional information contact David Guzy, Chief, Rules and Publications Staff, at (303)231-3432; Fax, (303)231-3385; or E-mail, David_Guzy .
MMS is the federal agency that manages the Nation's natural gas, oil and other mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf; and collects, accounts for, and disburses about $4 billion in revenues each year from federal offshore mineral leases and from onshore mineral leases on federal and Indian lands.
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MMS Internet website address: http://www.mms.gov
24 hour Fax-on-Demand Service:(202) 219-1703