Outer Continental Shelf, Central and Western Gulf of Mexico, Oil and Gas Lease Sales for Years 2002-2007

Zusammenfassung

The MMS is proposing to prepare a single EIS (multisale EIS) for the nine areawide oil and gas lease sales in the Central and Western Planning Areas (CPA and WPA) scheduled for 2003-2007 in the draft proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program: 2002-2007. The MMS will be soliciting information from States, local governments, the oil and gas industry, Federal Agencies, environmental and other interested organizations, and the public regarding issues and alternatives that should be evaluated in the EIS. The scoping meetings will provide information for the development of appropriate alternatives and mitigating measures, as well as to identify significant issues, to be considered in the draft EIS. Respondents are requested to focus their comments on the significant environmental issues attendant to OCS oil and gas leasing and development in the CPA and WPA and on alternative options for the size, timing, and location of sales.