Providing Reliable, Affordable, and Environmentally Sound Energy for America's Future. In 2001, DOI provided input and support to the Vice President's Energy Task Force and developed recommendations on issues related to access to offshore resources and Arctic issues. This included information and recommendations on energy production from offshore federal lands, access to federal lands for energy development, royalty and incentives, research, and permitting. The President's National Energy Policy presents recommendations to diversify and increase energy supplies, encourage conservation and ensure adequate energy distribution. August 7, 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953-this legislative action provided a framework for regulating and managing the production of oil, gas, and other minerals on offshore Federal Land.

5-Year OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program: In July 2002, DOI approved a final 5-Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program that schedules 20 OCS lease sales that continues the leasing program through 2007 for 8 OCS planning areas in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The Federal OCS generally extends from 3 to 200 miles offshore and covers an area of about 1.76 billion acres. Of this total area, some 40 million acres are currently under lease for potential oil and natural gas exploration and development. About 500 million acres of the OCS offshore the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, and offshore Florida and the North Aleutian Basin of Alaska are subject to a Congressional moratoria and a Presidential Withdrawal from consideration for mineral resource development.

Oil and Gas Interest Continues in Alaska's Beaufort Sea Secretary Norton Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act At Western Gulf Of Mexico Lease Sale 187 Western Gulf of Mexico Sale 187 Attracts $148,715,127 in High Bids Contracts Aim to Help Fill Strategic Petroleum Reserve Federal Mineral Revenues Net $548 Million to 35 States in First Half of Year Secretary Norton Announces $94 Million for State Recreation Grants From Land and Water Conservation Fund