MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Bowles, Eakes

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR THE PLANS BY THE MINERAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE (MMS) TO PROCEED WITH OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF (OCS) LEASE SALE 181 FOR THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 5, 2001.

WHEREAS, a strong domestic oil and natural gas industry is vitally important to the economy and national defense of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the domestic oil and gas production of the United States has decreased at the same time that domestic consumption of oil has increased by over 14%; and

WHEREAS, at the current time, the United States imports approximately 55% of the oil we need for America's economy while the demand for refined petroleum products is projected to increase by over 35% and the demand for natural gas is projected to increase by at least 45% percent over the next two decades; and

WHEREAS, much of the nation's greatest potential for future domestic production lies in the areas which are currently off limits to oil and natural gas development; and

WHEREAS, two eastern Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) areas, specifically an area known as the Destin Dome and Federal Lease Sale 181 Area, have great potential to hold large natural gas reserves; and

WHEREAS, for the first time since 1988, the federal Mineral Management Service (MMS) has scheduled on December 5, 2001, an OCS lease sale for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the oil and gas industry has an exemplary record in regard to protecting the environment while operating in the Gulf of Mexico, and oil and gas production from this area of the Gulf would help offset current domestic energy production declines and assist the nation; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi jobs, income taxes, and other positive economic benefits have been created by the Gulf of Mexico development, including exploration and drilling, platform fabrication and installation, pipeline contracting and construction, onshore gas treatment plant construction, operation, and maintenance, and goods, services, and supplies purchased; and

WHEREAS, the economic activity which results from oil and natural gas development in the Gulf of Mexico would continue to benefit Mississippi and all the states which border the Gulf of Mexico:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express support for the plans by the Mineral Management Service (MMS) to proceed with Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease Sale 181 for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico which is scheduled for December 5, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each member of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and to the Director of the Mineral Management Service.