MMS requests comment on environmental impact statements
Offshore staff
NEW ORLEANS -- The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has scheduled public hearings to accept comments on a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) on seven proposed oil and gas sales in the Gulf of Mexico through 2012.
The SEIS was prepared as a result of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, which mandated that approximately 5.8 million acres in the southeastern part of the Central Gulf Planning Area be offered for lease. This acreage, which is known as the 181 South Area, has never been leased before.
As part of the review process, MMS will hold public hearings on the following dates:
• Tuesday, May 13, 2008, Larose Civic Center, Larose Regional Park, Larose, Louisiana, 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Center for Energy Studies, 1077 Energy, Coast and Environment Building at the LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15, 2008, Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 South Water Street, Mobile, Alabama, 6:00 p.m.
Once the environmental review is complete on the 181 South Area, MMS will be able to make the decision whether to offer it for lease in March 2009 as part of the proposed Lease Sale 208 and all subsequent Central Gulf Sales.
05/02/2008