The Minerals Management Service (MMS) - the government agency responsible for oil and gas leasing in the U.S. offshore - is actively seeking comments on its next 5-Year Plan for access to oil & gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Comment Period ends Tuesday, October 11th.

This plan will determine where oil and gas lease sales may occur over the 5-year period (2007-2012). If new areas are NOT included in the next 5-Year Plan they will not be accessible for oil and gas development until after 2012.

Given the oil and gas supply and demand issues highlighted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita it is important that industry views be heard on accessing new domestic offshore resources.

MMS has made it clear that all comments will be considered.

To submit comments via email on the MMS 5-year plan go to fiveyrplcomments@mms.gov