Natural gas and oil from the federal Outer Continental Shelf play a major role in meeting U.S. energy needs. In fact, in 1996, about 25 percent of U.S. natural gas production and about 17 percent of U.S. oil production came from the Outer Continental Shelf.
The Outer Continental Shelf is estimated to contain more than 50 percent of the nation's remaining undiscovered natural gas and oil resources.
Natural gas and oil, along with other ingredients, are used to make plastic, paint, fertilizer for crops, antifreeze for cars, paper, building materials, fabrics and many other products.
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) collects and distributes $3 billion per year, on average, in bonuses, rents, and royalties from Outer Continental Shelf mineral leases. Most of the Outer Continental Shelf revenues go into the federal treasury, where they help pay for federal programs and reduce the deficit.
Outer Continental Shelf natural gas production in 1996 was enough to meet the needs of all residential natural gas users in the United States. Six out of 10 U.S. homes -- some 58 million -- currently have natural gas service.
There is a 97 percent chance that whenever you drive your car, fly in an airplane, ride a train or take a boat, you are using an oil-based fuel. Oil is the fuel that keeps our nation on the move.
If you vacation in Yellowstone, canoe in the Everglades, hike in the Santa Monica mountains, or visit the Statue of Liberty, you will reap some of the benefits of Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil resources. Every year money from these resources helps fund park lands, community recreation areas, and historic sites. Through fiscal year 1996, almost $9 billion, primarily from Outer Continental Shelf revenues, has been appropriated from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase federal park and recreation lands.
Outer Continental Shelf sand and gravel resources are made available for federal, state and local public works projects, such as beach restoration and wetlands protection.
The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service is responsible for assessment and prudent environmental management of ocean resources, and collection and distribution of revenues derived from those resources.
MMS oversees the leasing of resources for exploration and development activities, and monitors them for safe, environmentally sound operations. MMS activities provide major economic benefits to taxpayers, states, Native Americans, and to the federal government.
Get educated and share your knowledge!
Conserve energy. Set home thermostats at moderate temperatures; turn thermostats down when away or sleeping. Join local energy company programs for diverting home energy for business usage during peak usage times.
Guard against waste and pollution. If you use home heating oil, ensure that tanks are leak free so that oil does not end up in the waterways. Dispose of used motor oil properly at recycling centers. Take the "Boaters' Pledge," and bring back all of your trash whenever you fish or sail.
Reduce air pollution. Check and service furnaces and other energy-using appliances to ensure optimal operation with minimal emissions. Clean or replace furnace filters annually. Keep your car tuned-up to improve gas mileage and control air emissions.
Year of the Ocean Information Line: 1-888-4YOTO98
Year of the Ocean Website: www.yoto.com
MMS Website:
www.mms.gov
MMS Communications Offices:
Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region: 1-800-764-2627
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region: 504-736-2595
Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region: 805-389-7520 Royalty Management: 303-231-3162
