The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service announced that it recently published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that simplifies language, eliminates some redundancies, and reorganizes existing regulations for leasing of sulphur or oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. The proposed rule includes some changes to the Financial Accountability (bonding) requirements, but does not propose any major substantive revisions to the existing regulations. The public has 120 days to comment on the proposed rule. Four major program components are included in the proposed rule:
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5 –Year oil and gas leasing program
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Preparing for lease sales
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Issuing, maintaining and ending a lease
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Bonding and other financial accountability requirements
The proposed rule also includes the final rules published on September 12, 2008 (73 FR 52917) for credits for exchange of leases pursuant to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.
The proposed rule invited public comment from interested parties by one of two methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal. Under the tab ‘‘More Search Options,’’ click
‘‘Advanced Docket Search,’’ then select ‘‘Minerals Management Service’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click 'submit'. In the Docket ID column, select MMS–2007–OMM–0069 to submit public comments and to view supporting and related materials available for this rulemaking.
2. Mail or hand-carry comments to:
U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
Attention: Regulations and Standards Branch
(RSB); 381 Elden Street, MS–4024,
Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817.
Contact:
Nicholas Pardi (202) 208-7746