Notice of Extension of Comment Period for Request for Comments on Preparation of a New 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 1997-2002, and Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed 5-Year Program

Resumen

On November 16, 1994, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) published a notice (59 FR 59328) requesting comments on the preparation of a new OCS oil and program and intent to prepare an EIS for the same program. The comment period was due to close on January 9, 1995. To date, MMS has received requests from various sources for extension of the comment period. Several of the requests have come from coastal States that are experiencing a change in State Government administration as a result of the election of a new Governor in November. These States have requested time for the new administration to review the circumstances before having to comment. They and other requestors also have indicated that the end-of-year holidays make it more difficult to coordinate their comments. In keeping with MMS's aspiration to hear and consider comments from all interested and affected parties, MMS is extending the comment period to February 1, 1995.