The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced they are

reopening the public comment period for the proposed federal oil valuation rule from March 13 until

April 12, 1999. During the 30 day comment period, MMS will hold three public workshops. The

official notice will appear in the Federal Register on Friday, March 12.

The public workshops are scheduled as follows:

Workshop 1 - March 24, 1999; 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Central time
Minerals Management Service, Houston Compliance Division Office
4141 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas,
Phone 281-987-6802

Workshop 2 - March 25, 1999; 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mountain time
Bureau Of Land Management District Office
425 Montano Road, N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico
Phone 505-761-8700

Workshop 3 - April 6, 1999; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time
Department of the Interior-large buffet room,
Located next to the basement cafeteria
1849 C Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
Phone 202-208-3512

    The MMS emphasizes that the workshops will be open to all stakeholders in the federal oil rule making process. The MMS is seeking new ideas, not discussed in previous workshops, to help move the rulemaking process forward while ensuring the public receives fair value for its resources.

    MMS asks that, if possible, comments be submitted prior to the workshops to ensure attendees the opportunity to participate in constructive discussions on the issues. All comments received will be posted on the MMS website at www.rmp.mms.gov/library/readroom/readroom.htm.

    The proposed rule would amend the royalty valuation regulations for crude oil produced from federal leases.