The MMS requests comments and any suggestions to assist in potentially amending the regulations regarding how the Department of the Interior (DOI) should ensure that pipelines transporting oil or gas under permits, licenses, easements, or rights-of-way on or across the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) “provide open and non-discriminatory access to both owner and non-owner shippers” as required under section 5(f) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The MMS is the bureau in the DOI charged with fulfilling the Secretary of the Interior’s (Secretary) responsibility under the OCSLA. The MMS is committed to making changes that reflect the Secretary’s “4C’s” philosophy of “consultation, cooperation, and communication all in the service of conservation.” The MMS is issuing this Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to give the public and interested parties an opportunity to provide input to the MMS regarding what actions or processes the public and interested parties believe the Secretary should initiate to ensure that pipelines provide open and non-discriminatory access.
You must submit your comments by June 11, 2004, as shown: By mail: Director, Minerals Management Service, Attention: Policy and Management Improvement, 1849 C Street, NW., Mail Stop 4230, Washington, DC 20240-0001. By personal or messenger delivery: 1849 C Street NW., Room 4223, Washington, DC 20240-0001. The MMS is currently connected to the internet and able to receive e-mails. However, before e-mailing your comments during the comment period to ensure the MMS is connected, please contact Mr. Martin Grieshaber at 303-275-7118.
For more information, contact Martin Grieshaber at 303-275-7118 for information relating to the purpose of the meetings, the issues raised in this document, or for information relating to the rulemaking process.