Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Revision of Requirements Governing Outer Continental Shelf Rights-of-Use and Easement and Pipeline Rights-of-Way

MMS is modifying requirements governing rights-of-use and easements and pipeline rights-of-way on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). These changes will increase rental rates for pipeline rights-of- way and establish rentals for rights-of-use and easements. This change is needed because of requests made by lessees and pipeline right-of-way holders to use large areas outside of the area covered by their lease and pipeline right-of-way for accessory structures. This rule will require holders of rights-of-use and easements and holders granted use of large areas as part of a pipeline right-of-way to pay rentals on a per acre basis.