2012-2017 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program
A 5-year program consists of a schedule of oil and gas lease sales indicating the size, timing, and location of proposed leasing activity the Secretary determines will best meet national energy needs for the 5-year period following its approval. An area must be included in the current 5-year program in order to be offered for leasing. Section 18 of the OCS Lands Act prescribes the major steps involved in developing a 5-year program including extensive opportunities for public comment. A 5-year program balances energy needs, environmental considerations, and numerous other factors required under Section 18.
The proposed 2012-2017 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program establishes a schedule that is used as a basis for considering where and when oil and gas leasing might be appropriate over a 5-year period.
As required by the OCS Lands Act, a new program—to cover the years 2012-2017—is under development. Secretary Ken Salazar announced the second draft program decision, the Proposed Program, on November 8, 2011. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released the Proposed Program decision document (with supporting analyses) and the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) immediately after the announcement.
See Proposed Program page for related documents
Program Documents
