1998 Year of the Ocean Ocean Energy and Minerals 



heightened concern about the possibiUty of similar accidents and strengthened negative 

 perceptions about offshore oil development. Despite arguments that development of domestic 

 resources is necessary and beneficial, as well as reassurances about the environmental soundness 

 of the OCS program, a large segment of the population remains unconvinced. 



While there is some OCS production activity offshore California, the OCS program at 

 this time is mainly concentrated in the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico, with limited leasing 

 and exploration activity offshore Alaska. Although Louisiana has expressed some concern and 

 reservation about shouldering the bulk of the nation's energy needs, offshore oil and gas are still 

 viewed as important and integral parts of that region's economy, relatively few residents are 

 opposed to it, and extensive infrastructure and technological progress has led to a recent boom in 

 activity in the Gulf. 



Multiple Use Conflicts 



Oil and gas activities on the OCS occur along with many other activities in the ocean, 

 including commercial and sports fishing, tourism and recreation, vessel traffic, military and 

 NASA operations, and non-energy marine mineral extraction. There also are areas of special 

 concern, such as parks and sanctuaries and, in Alaskan areas, subsistence hunting and fishing 

 activities. In addition to the "competition" for space, there is concern from many ocean and 

 coastal user groups that routine oil and gas activities such as seismic surveys, drilling, and 

 discharge of effluent waters and cuttings, may have adverse effects on the coastal and marine 

 habitats and biota. 



Moratoria 



In the 1980s, state and local governments, dissatisfied with OCS policies that gave 

 primary authority to the federal Executive branch, turned to the U.S. Congress to check this 

 authority. Congress responded by adding "moratoria" riders to annual appropriations legislation 

 prohibiting the use of funds for OCS leasing and related activities in much of the outer 

 continental shelf . 



In 1990, following analysis and recommendations by an interdepartmental OCS Oil and 

 Gas Leasing Task Force, President Bush announced a series of decisions intended to balance 

 energy production and environmental protection and to allow the OCS program to continue in 

 the less controversial areas. Areas offshore California, southern Florida, the North Atlantic states. 

 Washington, and Oregon were withdrawn from leasing consideration until after 2000. However, 

 Congress continued to enact moratoria for the areas withdrawn by Presidential Order and even 

 expanded prohibitions to some areas and activities that had not previously been restricted. The 

 Clinton Administration has supported a continuation of most moratoria while underlying 

 conflicts are resolved through consultation and negotiation among affected parties. 



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