Offshore staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The MMS has proposed a final five-year (2007 to 2012) plan for oil and gas leasing on the OCS. The plan has been filed with the President and Congress, and it is eligible for approval after 60 days.

The program proposes 21 lease sales in eight planning areas; 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, eight off Alaska, and one about 50 mi (80 km) off the coast of southern Virginia.

The proposed program could produce 10 Bbbl of oil and 45 tcf of gas over 40 years, according to the MMS.

Drilling off Virginia would only take place if the presidential withdrawal is modified and the congressional moratorium lifted in the Mid-Atlantic Planning Area. And, leasing is prohibited within 125 mi (201 km) of the Florida coast or east of the military mission line in the eastern Gulf.

5/2/2007