U.S. vetting interest from all parties who may have an interest in the next round of oil and gas leases under review for the Gulf of Mexico. File photo by Maryam Rahmanian/UPI |
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. federal government said it was vetting comments from all parties that may have concerns or interest in future lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it was reaching out to potential players and the public as its works on its draft leasing program for the five years through 2022. The agency said it would review information on potential areas for oil and gas development, as well as the potential for adverse environmental effects, while preparing the draft.
"All area nominations as well as any information submitted will be fully analyzed and considered as we prepare for the next five year program," BOEM Director Abigail Ross Hopper said in a statement.
The U.S. Interior Department in February released its draft proposal for 2017-22 for access to federal waters. Ten leases are planned for the Gulf of Mexico, three for offshore Alaska and one, a debut, for waters in the Atlantic.
Just five companies came forward with bids on the 33 tracts on the auction block last month in New Orleans. Though the lease sale drew in more than $20 million in high bids, the industry interest was suppressed as companies mind their revenue streams during the market downturn.
The BOEM director said after the conclusion of the auction the U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a "critical component" of the national energy portfolio. It helps the U.S. reduce the dependency on foreign oil while creating a source of domestic economic stimulus, she said.
Most energy companies are spending less on oil and gas exploration because of lower crude oil prices. Offshore oil services company Hercules Offshore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August in an effort to ensure durability during the oil market depression.
The first seven leases under the current five-year plan brought in a combined $2.9 billion in bid revenues. BOEM said it would accept input on the draft five-year plan through Oct. 4.
