Introduction
The Minerals Management Service
(MMS) is responsible for the administration of programs that ensure the
effective management of mineral resources located on our Nation’s Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS). The MMS also collects, accounts for and distributes
revenues associated with mineral production from leased federal and Indian
lands.
In Offshore Minerals Management we oversee mineral exploration and
development on the OCS — from pre lease studies and analysis through
exploration and development to the final lease relinquishment and
restoration of the leased area. Our overall stewardship responsibilities
include multiple mandates. These mandates include providing energy for the
Nation, protecting people and marine life, conserving our natural resources,
and ensuring a fair return for development of OCS minerals — oil, gas, sand
and gravel.
This work includes ongoing critical research on environment and
safety-related technologies, preparation of rigorous environmental
assessments, and development of economic parameters for proposed mineral
development activities. To ensure success of our program we work
cooperatively with all our program stakeholders — the offshore oil and gas
industry, other offshore industries, coastal states, Congress, numerous
Federal agencies, and environmental and public interest groups.
To ensure resource development occurs in an
environmentally sound manner MMS complies with numerous environmental laws,
regulations, and executive orders. In support of these efforts, MMS designs
and funds environmental studies (currently about 150) in multiple
disciplines. Our annual studies budget is approximately $17 million. These
studies range from tracking bowhead whales off Alaska to measuring social
and economic change in coastal Louisiana.