October 27-28 1999
Girdwood, Alaska

Agenda

Oceans Report: A Follow-up Report from the National Oceans Conference. This presentation included an update on Vice President Gore’s follow-up report on the President’s moratoria decision that was presented September 2, 1999.

Hard Minerals Update. This presentation addressed the Marine Minerals Program funding; the status of the MMS=s guidelines and policies on use of Federal sand; the negotiations with States on use of Federal sand; and an update on the Hard Minerals Subcommittee activities and other pertinent hard minerals information.

Deep Water Gulf of Mexico (GOM). This panel presentation addressed developments in the deep water of the GOM and its future contribution.

Recent Advances in Oil Spill Response Technology. This panel presentation provided an overview of the MMS’s oil spill response research and direct results from MMS funded research, the MMS unannounced drill policy, and the Ohmsett facility. The presentation also addressed the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in oil spill response, readiness, research and development activities. The Planned Deepwater Oil Release and Blowout Modeling Study, a joint industry project cooperatively managed and funded by the Offshore Operators Committee and MMS, was also discussed.

OCS Revenue Sharing Update. This presentation addressed the current status of the OCS revenue sharing bills.

Congressional Update. This presentation focused on the status of the Coastal Zone Management Act reauthorization and pending revised regulations, and other timely congressional issues related to the OCS Program.

Environmental Forum Update. This presentation provided a summary of the October 26, 1999, proceedings.

Natural Gas Supply/Demand. This panel presentation addressed the following items: recent studies/results; 30 TCF of gas needed to supply the nation and how we get there; the long-term gas alternatives, such as methane hydrates (clathrates); and the State’s (Texas) response to rising gas demand.

OCS Scientific Committee Update. This presentation provided an update on the activities of the Scientific Committee. It also highlighted the activities that are related to the GOM deepwater activities, oil spill contingency planning, natural gas supply/demand, and any other topics that are relevant to both Committees.

MMS Regional Updates. The Regional Directors discussed activities in their respective areas. Particular items of interest: Lease Sale 176, National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska results, Northstar Project, Liberty Project, Lease Sale 181, Deepwater environmental impact statement, Chevron’s Florida Natural Gas Development Project, Florida Marine Spill Analysis System, and the future of existing California OCS Leases.