U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Office of Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CRUDE OIL VALUATION COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED AND
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP SCHEDULED

On October 23, the Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service will publish a Federal Register notice reopening the comment period for an additional two weeks on alternatives for valuing crude oil produced on federal lands. The comment period, which will close on October 22, will be re-opened and extended until November 5, 1997.

The extension is in response to requests from constituents. In addition, the MMS will hold a workshop in Washington, D.C. on October 27, 1997. Any interested party may participate in the workshop to offer suggestions on alternatives described in the September 22, 1997 Federal Register notice. MMS is seeking suggestions only on alternatives and not the original proposed rule of January 24, or the supplementary notice which was published on July 3.

The October 27 workshop will be held from 9am - 1pm in the Main Interior Building, Large Buffet Room, Cafeteria- Basement Floor, 1849 "C" Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. Advance registration is not required. Written comments will be accepted until November 5 and should be mailed to: MMS, RMP, Rules and Publication Staff, P.O. Box 25165, MS 3021, Denver, Colorado 80225-0165.

The Federal Register notice will also be posted on the MMS website under What's New.

-MMS-

MMS Internet website address: http://www.mms.gov
MMS's 24 hour Fax-on-Demand Service: (202) 219-1703