U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has laid out the next step for developing the national Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. On January 4, 2018, Zinke announced proposed plans to make more than 90% of total OCS acreage and about 98% of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas available to be considered for future exploration and development.
“Responsibly developing our energy resources on the Outer Continental Shelf in a safe and well-regulated way is important to our economy and energy security, and it provides billions of dollars to fund the conservation of our coastlines, public lands, and parks,” he said. “Today’s announcement lays out the options that are on the table and starts a lengthy and robust public comment period. Just like with mining, not all areas are appropriate for offshore drilling, and we will take that into consideration in the coming weeks. The important thing is we strike the right balance to protect our coasts and people while still powering America and achieving American energy dominance.”
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act requires the secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, to prepare and maintain a schedule of proposed oil and gas lease sales in federal waters, indicating the size, timing, and location of leasing activity that would best meet national energy needs for the five-year period following program approval. In developing the national OCS Program, the secretary is required to achieve an appropriate balance among the potential for environmental impacts, for discovery of oil and gas, and for adverse effects on the coastal zone.
Our new building is going up fast. You can see video of the construction on our McMinnville Gas Facebook Page. Winter has hit us late this year with colder temps stretching into March. Those of you who have a propane heating system back up to heat pump need to keep an eye on your tank. Due to the warm January our drivers skipped many of you, so with this late cold weather your tanks may be getting low. Just call in and let us know if you are low and we will get by their immediately and fill you. Hope you have an exciting and warm Easter.