Minerals Management Service 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 206 in the Central Gulf of Mexico (2008)
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is issuing this notice to advise the public, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., that MMS intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas Lease Sale 206 in the Central Gulf of Mexico (GOM) scheduled for March 2008. The MMS is issuing this notice to facilitate public involvement. The preparation of this EA is an important step in the decision process for Lease Sale 206. The proposal for Lease Sale 206 was identified by the Call for Information and Nominations published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006, and was analyzed in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2007- 2012; Western Planning Area Sales 204, 207, 210, 215, and 218; Central Planning Area Sales 205, 206, 208, 213, 216, and 222Final Environmental Impact Statement; Volumes I and II (Multisale EIS, OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007-018). The proposal does not include approximately 5.8 million acres located in the southeastern part of the Central Planning Area (CPA) which the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 opened to leasing after many years of appropriations Acts containing leasing moratoria. Because of the limited geological and geophysical data available to industry and the limited environmental review for this area, the MMS has decided that it would be premature to offer this area in proposed Lease Sale 206. Before this area is offered for lease, the MMS will conduct a separate NEPA review to reevaluate the expanded CPA sale area. This EA for proposed Lease Sale 206 will reexamine the potential environmental effects of the proposed lease sale and its alternatives (excluding the unleased blocks near biologically sensitive topographic features; excluding the unleased blocks within 15 miles of the Baldwin County, Alabama, coast; use of a nomination and tract selection leasing system; and no action) based on any new information regarding potential impacts and issues that were not available at the time the Multisale EIS was prepared.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart I, Platforms and Structures.
Notice of the Annual Price Threshold Determination
This notice provides the official MMS documentation of which Gulf of Mexico price thresholds have been exceeded by annual market prices for oil or gas, by lease vintage, for calendar year 2006. This notice also explains in detail how MMS calculates the annual oil and gas prices and applicable price thresholds used to determine whether royalty relief applies in calendar year 2006 for our various deepwater and deep depth royalty relief programs.
Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer Continental Shelf-Changing Proprietary Term of Certain Geophysical Information
The MMS proposes to extend the proprietary term of certain reprocessed geophysical information submitted to MMS under a permit. The proposed rule would give up to 5 years of additional protection to reprocessed vintage geophysical information that MMS retained and, under the current rule, is subject to release by MMS 25 years after issuing the germane permit. The extension would provide incentives to permittees and third parties to reprocess, market, or in other ways use geophysical information that may not otherwise be reprocessed without the term extension.
Chukchi Sea Planning Area Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 and Seismic Surveying Activities in the Chukchi Sea
The proposed federal action addressed in this FEIS (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007-026) is to offer for lease areas in the Chukchi Sea Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) that might contain recoverable oil and gas resources. This lease sale would provide qualified bidders the opportunity to bid on certain blocks in the Chukchi Sea OCS to gain conditional rights to explore, develop, and produce oil and natural gas. This FEIS is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to enable the MMS to make informed decisions on the configuration of the lease sale and the applicable mitigation measures. In the FEIS, the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the sale, including estimated exploration and development and production activities related to the sale, on the physical, biological, and human environments in the Chukchi Sea area are analyzed. The FEIS also provides NEPA evaluation for exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea, including seismic survey geophysical permitting (30 CFR part 251), ancillary activities (30 CFR 250.207), and exploration plans (30 CFR 250.214). In addition, the FEIS provides information that the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may possibly use for issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorizations to the seismic-survey industry to take marine mammals by harassment, incidental to conducting prelease and ancillary on-lease oil and gas seismic surveys in the Chukchi Sea. To address its NEPA responsibilities, the NMFS is a cooperating agency (as that term is defined in 40 CFR 1501.6).
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the Performance Measures Data, Form MMS-131.
Environmental Documents Prepared for Proposed Oil and Gas Operations on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Minerals Management Service (MMS), in accordance with Federal Regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of NEPA-related Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), prepared by MMS for the following oil and gas activities proposed on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Notice of Sale for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 205 in the Central Gulf of Mexico (GOM)
The MMS announces the availability of the proposed Notice of Sale for proposed Sale 205 in the Central GOM OCS. This Notice is published pursuant to 30 CFR 256.29(c) as a matter of information to the public. With regard to oil and gas leasing on the OCS, the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to section 19 of the OCS Lands Act, provides the affected States the opportunity to review the proposed Notice. The proposed Notice sets forth the proposed terms and conditions of the sale, including minimum bids, royalty rates, and rentals.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)-Royalty Relief-Ultra-Deep Gas Wells and Deep Gas Wells on OCS Oil and Gas Leases; Extension of Royalty Relief Provisions to OCS Leases Offshore of Alaska
MMS is proposing to amend its deep gas royalty relief regulations to incorporate statutory changes enacted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This proposed rule would provide additional royalty relief for certain wells on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). It would also extend the applicability of existing deep gas royalty relief regulatory provisions to more OCS leases. MMS is also proposing amendments to discretionary royalty relief provisions and associated definitions to extend the applicability of certain royalty relief to leases offshore of Alaska.
Outer Continental Shelf Official Protraction Diagrams and Leasing Maps
Notice is hereby given that effective with this publication, the following NAD 27-based Outer Continental Shelf Official Protraction Diagrams and Leasing Maps last revised on the date indicated are available for information only, in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Regional Office, New Orleans, Louisiana. Copies are also available for download at https://www.mms.gov/ld/maps.htm. The Minerals Management Service in accordance with its authority and responsibility under Title 43, Code of Federal Regulations, is updating the basic record used for the description of mineral and oil and gas lease sales in the geographic areas they represent.
Notice of Availability (NOA) of Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP)
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has prepared a programmatic EA and a FONSI for the implementation of the CIAP. This EA was prepared to assist agency planning and decisionmaking in future assessment of individual projects (40 CFR 1501.3(b)). The programmatic EA is available on the MMS Web site at: https://www.mms.gov/offshore/ CIAPmain.htm.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart L, ``Oil and Gas Production Measurement, Surface Commingling, and Security,'' and related documents. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements.
Outer Continental Shelf Regulations-Technical Amendments
This document makes minor technical changes to regulations that were published in various Federal Register documents and are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. These changes will correct form names in 30 CFR parts 250 and 251, as well as various citations and typographical errors in 30 CFR parts 203, 250, 251, and 260.
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Final 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012 and Final Environmental Impact Statement
The MMS has issued a proposed final program for 2007-2012. This is the third and final proposal for a new OCS oil and gas leasing program, following the February 2006 draft proposed program and August 2006 proposed program. A final EIS prepared in accordance with section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act has been issued along with the proposed final program. The proposed final program schedules 21 sales in 8 OCS planning areas8 sales in 4 Alaska planning areas, 12 sales in 3 Gulf of Mexico planning areas, and 1 sale in the Mid-Atlantic planning area. This includes 1 sale in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico as mandated by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432, December 20, 2006). The proposed final program has been submitted to the President and Congress as required by section 18 of the OCS Lands Act. In accordance with section 18, the Secretary of the Interior may approve the new leasing program after a period of 60 days.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Scientific Committee (SC); Announcement of Plenary Session
The OCS Scientific Committee will meet at the Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Geothermal Royalty Payments, Direct Use Fees, and Royalty Valuation
The MMS is promulgating new regulations to implement the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) governing the payment of royalty on geothermal resources produced from Federal leases and the payment of direct use fees in lieu of royalties. The EPAct provisions amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (GSA). The new regulations amend the current MMS geothermal royalty valuation regulations and simplify the royalty and direct use fee calculations for geothermal resources for leases issued under the EPAct and leases whose terms are modified under the EPAct. The new regulations also amend various related provisions in the MMS rules.
Notice and Agenda for Meeting of the Royalty Policy Committee
This notice announces the May 10 meeting of the Royalty Policy Committee (RPC). Agenda items for the meeting of the RPC will include remarks from the Director, MMS, and the Associate Director, Minerals Revenue Management (MRM), as well as presentations on the MRM Financial Management, Audit and Compliance, and Enforcement Programs. Updates will be provided by the Federal Oil and Gas Valuation, Oil and Gas Royalty Reporting, Coal, Indian Oil Valuation, and Royalty Management subcommittees. The RPC membership includes representation from states, Indian Tribes, various mineral interests, the public-at-large (with knowledge and interest in royalty issues), and other Federal departments.
Coastal Impact Assistance Program Allocations, Fiscal Years 2007-2008
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is issuing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the individual allocation amounts available to each of the 73 eligible recipients of the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP). The amounts are an important piece of information to be used by the States and Coastal Political Subdivisions in the completion of CIAP grant applications.
Notice on Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Director of the Minerals Management Service by the joint bidding provisions of 30 CFR 256.41, each entity within one of the following groups shall be restricted from bidding with any entity in any other of the following groups at Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease sales to be held during the bidding period May 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007. The List of Restricted Joint Bidders published in the Federal Register December 5, 2006 covered the period November 1, 2006 through April 30, 2007.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Western and Central Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Oil and Gas Lease Sales for Years 2007-2012
The MMS has prepared a final environmental impact statement (EIS) on tentatively scheduled 2007-2012 oil and gas leasing proposals in the Western and Central GOM, off the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Oil, Gas, and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)-Plans and Information-Protection of Marine Mammals and Threatened and Endangered Species
This final rule requires lessees of Federal oil and gas leases in the OCS to provide information on how they will conduct their proposed activities in a manner consistent with provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). It identifies environmental, monitoring, and mitigation information that lessees must submit with plans for exploration and development and production. This final rulemaking specifies what information the MMS needs to ensure compliance with the OCSLA, the ESA, and the MMPA. The final rule will help assure that lessees conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the provisions of the ESA and the MMPA.
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Notice of Sale for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 204 in the Western Gulf of Mexico (GOM)
The MMS announces the availability of the proposed Notice of Sale for proposed Sale 204 in the Western GOM OCS. This Notice is published pursuant to 30 CFR 256.29(c) as a matter of information to the public. With regard to oil and gas leasing on the OCS, the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to section 19 of the OCS Lands Act, provides the affected States the opportunity to review the proposed Notice. The proposed Notice sets forth the proposed terms and conditions of the sale, including minimum bids, royalty rates, and rentals.
Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Program
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has prepared a draft programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) in support of the proposed Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Program and associated rulemaking authorized under Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and codified as new subsection 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Pursuant to the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is announcing the availability of a draft programmatic EIS for the Alternative Energy and Alternate Use (AEAU) Program and Rule. The programmatic EIS analysis focuses on the potential environmental effects of implementing the AEAU program and associated rulemaking and also analyzes alternatives to implementing the AEAU program and rule, including the ``no action'' alternative.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR part 256, ``Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf.'' This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements.
Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties
This notice provides a listing of civil penalties paid from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006, for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The goal of the MMS Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Civil Penalties Program is to assure safe and clean operations in the OCS. Through the pursuit, assessment, and collection of civil penalties and referrals for the consideration of criminal penalties, the program is designed to encourage compliance with OCS statutes and regulations. The purpose of publishing the penalties summary is to provide information to the public on violations of special concern in OCS operations and to provide an additional incentive for safe and environmentally sound operations.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Beaufort Sea Alaska, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 202
The MMS will hold OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 202 on April 18, 2007, in accordance with provisions of the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356, as amended), the implementing regulations (30 CFR part 256), and the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2002-2007.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Update of New and Reaffirmed Documents Incorporated by Reference
This final rule incorporates 33 new editions and 37 reaffirmed editions of documents previously incorporated by reference in regulations governing oil and gas and sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The new and reaffirmed editions of these documents will ensure that lessees use the best and safest technologies available while operating in the OCS. The final rule also updates citations for documents that were incorporated by reference in recent final rules.
Environmental Documents Prepared for Proposed Oil and Gas Operations on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Minerals Management Service (MMS), in accordance with Federal Regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of NEPA-related Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), prepared by MMS for the following oil and gas activities proposed on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
Notice Terminating the Exclusion of Indian Allotted Leases in the Uintah and Ouray Reservation From Valuation Under 30 CFR 206.172
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) with Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) concurrence is terminating the exclusion from valuation under the rules at 30 CFR 206.172 for gas produced from the Ute allotted leases in the Uintah and Ouray Reservation (Reservation), Utah. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on August 10, 1999 (64 FR 43506).
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The title of this information collection request (ICR) is ``30 CFR Part 206Product Valuation, Subparts F and J; Part 210Forms and Reports, Subparts E and H; and Part 218Collection of Royalties, Rentals, Bonuses and Other Monies Due the Federal Government, Subpart E.'' We changed the title of this ICR to clarify the regulatory language we are covering under 30 CFR parts 206, 210, and 218 and to reflect OMB consolidation approval of two solid mineral-related ICRs. Those ICRs were titled: 1010-0074: 30 CFR Part 206Product Valuation, Subpart J Indian Coal (Forms MMS-4292, Coal Washing Allowance Report, and MMS- 4293, Coal Transportation Allowance Report); and 1010-0120: 30 CFR Part 206, Subpart FFederal Coal and Subpart JIndian Coal; Part 210, Subpart BOil, Gas, and OCS Sulfur General, Subpart ESolid Minerals, General, Subpart HGeothermal Resources; Part 218, Subpart BOil and Gas, General, Subpart ESolid MineralsGeneral (Form MMS-4430, Solid Minerals Production and Royalty Report). In the two ICRs, much of the general information was repeated and cross referenced. This consolidated ICR 1010-0120 eliminates that duplication of effort and redundancy of data and also provides for review of all solids and geothermal information collection requirements on a MMS Solids and Geothermal Compliance and Asset Management program- wide basis. The current ICR does not expire until October 31, 2007 and has a total of 1,751 burden hours as of OMB Notice of Change dated December 9, 2005, which consolidated the burden hours from ICRs 1010- 0074 and 1010-0120.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)-Oil and Gas Production Requirements
MMS proposes to amend the regulations regarding oil and natural gas production. This is a complete rewrite of these regulations, addressing issues such as production rates, burning oil, and venting and flaring natural gas. The proposed rule would eliminate most restrictions on production rates and clarify flaring and venting limits. The proposed rule was written using plain language, so it will be easier to read and understand.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf and Oil Spill Financial Responsibility for Offshore Facilities-Civil Penalties
The MMS is required to review the maximum daily civil penalty assessment allowable under 43 U.S.C. 1350 at least once every 3 years for the purpose of adjusting this amount in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. The same review and adjustment process is required every 4 years for the maximum daily civil penalty assessment allowable under 33 U.S.C. 2716a. The intended effect is for punitive assessments to keep up with inflation.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Incorporate API RP 65 for Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones
MMS is incorporating by reference the First Edition of the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice (RP) for Cementing Shallow Water Flow (SWF) Zones in Deep Water Wells (API RP 65) into MMS regulations. From 1987 to 2004, at least 113 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) wells encountered SWF to varying degrees. While the majority of these wells experienced SWF to only a minor degree, there were instances of severe encounters resulting in abandonment of well sites and loss of wells. This action establishes best practices for cementing wells in deep water areas of the OCS that are prone to SWF.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Eastern Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Oil and Gas Lease Sale 224 for 2008
The purpose of the Call/NOI is to gather information on oil and gas leasing, exploration, and development that might result from an OCS oil and gas lease sale tentatively scheduled in early 2008. As mandated in the recently enacted Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-432, December 20, 2006), MMS shall offer a portion of the ``181 Area,'' located in the Eastern Planning Area, more than 125 miles from Florida for oil and gas leasing. The NOI seeks input for scoping a SEIS.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Policy Committee; Notice and Agenda for Meeting
The OCS Policy Committee will meet at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart P, ``Sulphur Operations.''
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart E, ``Oil and Gas Well-Completion Operations.''
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under ``30 CFR Part 253, Oil Spill Financial Responsibility for Offshore Facilities.''
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under ``30 CFR 250, Subpart F, Oil and Gas Well-Workover Operations.''
Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty Payments on Indian Gas Production in Designated Areas Not Associated With an Index Zone
Final regulations for valuing gas produced from Indian leases, published on August 10, 1999, require MMS to determine major portion prices and notify industry by publishing the prices in the Federal Register. The regulations also require MMS to publish a due date for industry to pay additional royalty based on the major portion prices. This notice provides the major portion prices for the 12 months of 2005. The due date to pay additional royalties based on the major portion prices is 60 days after the publication date of this notice.
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