Proposed OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2007-2012

The Bureau's ocean resource management is critical in sustaining America's quality of life. The 5-year OCS Leasing Program is the blueprint the Bureau uses to meet its resource management responsibility.

Former Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, initiated the process for the preparation of the new 5-year program for the years 2007-2012. Links to information regarding the process and the program are provided below.

  What is the 5-year program?
    Proposed Program
     Commenting Instructions
     Frequently Asked Questions
     Scheduling Information
     Maps

Proposed Program Documents

      Proposed Program Document
       Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Commenting Instructions

Please submit your comments using only one of these formats, and include full names and addresses.

	To submit or view comments electronically the OCS Connect system must be used. Comments are no longer being accepted by e-mail.   1. 5-Year Proposed Program comments: OCS Connect   2. 5-Year Draft EIS comments: OCS Connect
	Mail should be sent to:   1. 5-Year Proposed Program comments: Renee Orr 5-year Program Manager 381 Elden Street, MS 4010 Herndon, VA 20170 2. 5-Year Draft EIS comments: James F. Bennett 5-Year Draft EIS Comments 381 Elden Street, MS 4042 Herndon, VA 20170
	Brochure about the Proposed Program (5,058 KB PDF)
	Draft Proposed Program (2,500 KB PDF)

Frequency Asked Questions
 

Why is the Bureau requesting this information at this time?

	What are the steps in the 5-year leasing process required by Section 18?
	What type of environmental review occurs during the 5-year leasing program development process?
	Who may provide comments during this first step?
	What type of information is the Bureau seeking?
	How many planning areas are there for offshore minerals exploration and development in the OCS?
	Which planning areas are considered to be under moratoria/executive withdrawal from leasing?
	What is the history of the Congressional Moratoria for the planning areas?
	What has changed since the last five year program?
	Is the demand for energy growing?
	Is energy production keeping up with the demand for energy?
	How important is oil and gas to our nation?
	How much energy does the OCS provide our nation?
	Where on the OCS does this energy come from?
	How much oil and gas is available on the OCS?
	What are some of the benefits OCS oil and gas provides to our nation?
	Is offshore energy exploration considered safe?
	Is offshore energy exploration polluting our environment?

Scheduling Information
 

	Major Steps in the Leasing Process (24 KB PDF)
	Timetable for the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2007-2012 (43 KB PDF)

Maps
 

Continental US Planning Areas:

• Proposed Program Areas (703 KB PDF)

• Areas Withdrawn thru 6/30/2012 (290 KB PDF)

Alaska Planning Areas:

• Proposed Program Areas (660 KB PDF)

• Areas Withdrawn through 6/30/2012 (647 KB PDF)