[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 61 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16033-16040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3009]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Parts 250 and 251

RIN 1010-AC81


Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS)--Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the OCS--
Proprietary Terms and Data Disclosure

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule expands the circumstances under which MMS allows 
inspection of G&G data and information. The rule also modifies the 
start dates of proprietary terms for geophysical data and information 
and any derivatives of these data and information that MMS acquires. In 
addition, the rule clarifies the proprietary terms of geological data 
and information MMS acquires pursuant to a permit.

DATES: Effective Date: May 1, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Dellagiarino or David Zinzer at 
(703) 787-1628.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule implements changes put 
forward by our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) published July 17, 
2002 (67 FR 46942). The comment period ended September 16, 2002. MMS 
received 10 sets of written comments and recommendations in response to 
the NPR. Two sets of comments and recommendations were from industry 
associations, and eight were from permitttees and third party users of 
G&G data and information collected on the OCS. We have carefully 
considered each of these comments and recommendations. We did not adopt 
recommendations that did not appear to be in the public's best 
interest.

Discussion and Analysis of Comments

    MMS has decided to proceed with the final rule after carefully 
considering all written comments on the proposed

[[Page 16034]]

rulemaking. MMS appreciates the candor and scope of the many comments 
put forth, and the concerns of industry. However, MMS believes that 
specific concerns with the proposed rulemaking have been addressed 
properly, and that where MMS and industry disagree, MMS is acting 
appropriately, balancing the needs of industry and the public interest.

Section-by-Section Analysis

Section 250.196 Data and Information To Be Made Available to the Public 
or for Limited Inspection

    MMS is extending the circumstances under which MMS selectively 
allows persons with a direct and pertinent interest to inspect 
proprietary G&G data and information that are used by MMS in certain 
decisions. MMS currently allows limited inspection of data and 
information related to unitization determinations on two or more 
leases, competitive reservoir determinations, proper plans of 
development for competitive reservoirs, operational safety, and the 
environment. Under this final rule, MMS will also allow limited 
inspection of G&G data and information related to field determinations 
and eligibility for royalty relief. It has become necessary to include 
these circumstances to properly explain related MMS decisions.
    Comment: One commenter requested that MMS withdraw, and other 
commenters suggested changes to, the proposed language. One of the 
commenters noted that there was a possibility that MMS could release 
highly confidential data and other information to competitors or other 
groups, which would impede the flow of information between MMS and 
lessees.
    Other commenters cited increased opportunities for a competitor to 
determine, at no cost, what data a company sought to keep confidential. 
These same commenters argued also that the proposed language gives 
competitors the opportunity to look at, work, and analyze a submitting 
party's data and information without obtaining a license, thereby 
depriving the data owner of the economic benefits of obtaining the 
data.
    Response: MMS is proceeding with the proposed language. The 
additional circumstances under which certain data and information may 
be disclosed are necessary to properly explain decisions related to 
field determinations and eligibility for royalty relief. However, in 
meetings where MMS discloses certain data and information to persons 
with a direct interest in specific MMS decisions and related issues, 
MMS will not allow these persons to work or analyze data or information 
submitted by any party. MMS will not release data or information at 
these meetings.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that the proposed criteria for 
determining limited access to the confidential data and information are 
vague and overbroad.
    One commenter suggested language directly adapted from an industry 
model data licensing contract. The suggested language would limit 
disclosure of geophysical data and information to persons with a direct 
interest in related MMS decisions and issues; and would limit 
disclosure to such portions of the data and information directly 
pertaining to the decisions in question. Further, inspection would be 
done on MMS premises, in a secure environment under direct control of 
MMS. MMS would not provide copies of data and information, nor allow 
viewing parties to make, retain, or remove any copy thereof. Another 
commenter suggested that participants in the meeting agree in writing 
prior to inspection to maintain the confidentiality of the G&G data and 
information disclosed or discussed.
    A third commenter suggested that these persons should be given only 
passive access to the portions of the geophysical information related 
to the specific geographic areas that are the subject of consultation. 
The commenter also suggested that persons inspecting the data and 
information should be prevented from summarizing, transcribing, 
reproducing, or photocopying the geophysical information; operating a 
computer workstation on which geophysical information is displayed; and 
altering or generating displays, interpretations, or processing of 
geophysical information. They also should be prevented from departing 
the MMS premises with any geophysical information, or any summary, 
description, or knowledge thereof that is comparable to having a copy 
thereof. Furthermore, under no circumstances should MMS allow 
inspection by any person of non-public G&G data or information covering 
any leased or unleased acreage not directly associated with a specific 
MMS decision. This includes, but is not limited to, regional studies or 
geological trend analysis partly or wholly based on non-public data or 
information.
    Response: In response to these industry concerns, MMS is adding 
language to the rule to further ensure and clarify that proprietary G&G 
data and information are disclosed only to persons directly associated 
with specific MMS decisions affecting specific geographic areas, and 
who agree in writing to confidentiality of the data and information. 
While most disclosures of the data and information will take place at 
MMS offices, MMS retains the prerogative of disclosing the data and 
information at non-MMS sites, if required by circumstances. However, 
MMS will disclose proprietary data and information only when necessary 
to explain these types of decisions, and will minimize the opportunity 
of meeting participants to inspect the data and information. MMS will 
determine the data and information that will be disclosed, the location 
of and participants in meetings with MMS, and the conditions of 
disclosure during and after the meeting. MMS will not allow 
participants to operate a computer or reproduce or transcribe 
information during a meeting, or remove data or information from the 
premises.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that, if MMS is experiencing a 
substantial problem in release of confidential G&G data and 
information, MMS resolve the problem through the use of some type of 
form protective order that controls the individuals who will see and 
have access to data or information, and which controls the conditions 
surrounding use after disclosure. The commenter also suggested use of 
an expert not associated with the competitor company.
    Response: MMS does not believe that a form protective order or use 
of an outside expert is necessary to properly protect confidential G&G 
data and information, and will not make the recommended changes. MMS 
limits access to data and information disclosed at meetings to persons 
with a direct interest in MMS decisions, and controls the conditions 
surrounding use after disclosure.

Section 251.14 Protecting and Disclosing Data and Information Submitted 
to MMS Under a Permit

    MMS is changing the start date of the proprietary terms for 
geophysical data and information from the date that the data and 
information are submitted to MMS to the date that the permit under 
which the originating data were acquired was issued. The start date of 
the proprietary term for geological data and information currently is 
also the date that the permit was issued. Although the lengths of the 
proprietary terms do not change, the net result is that the total 
length of time for which geophysical data and information are held by 
MMS before public release will be shorter than under the current rule.

[[Page 16035]]

    Since MMS may select and retain geophysical data and information 
numerous times from a single permit, under the existing regulations 
there is a separate start and release date for each submission of 
geophysical data and information. This has resulted in substantial and 
complex recordkeeping for submitted data and information. This change 
is being made to relieve the administrative recordkeeping burden by 
using a single date (the permit issue date) to manage the release of 
the geophysical data and information following expiration of the 
proprietary term.
    Comment: One commenter asked that MMS reconsider the proposed rule, 
and that MMS meet with geophysical contractors to modify the proposal 
in a manner that will allow the MMS to achieve its recordkeeping goals 
while not destroying the existence of the geophysical contractor and 
Gulf of Mexico (GOM) exploration.
    Response: After carefully considering all comments, including 
suggested options, MMS is proceeding with the proposed rule. MMS 
believes that changing the start date of proprietary terms for 
geophysical data and information to the date the permit was issued is 
necessary, and is the only viable option to efficiently and properly 
manage the release of the data and information.
    Comment: One commenter noted that, in 2000, geophysical contractors 
in the GOM invested $214 million in data acquisition and initial data 
processing, and $62 million in reprocessing existing data. Similarly, 
in 2001, the industry invested $281 million in data acquisition and 
initial processing, and $92 million in reprocessing existing data.
    Another commenter stated that the economic value of privileged and 
proprietary information received by the Secretary of the Interior from 
permittees and lessees is emphasized by the requirement in the OCS 
Lands Act for the Secretary of the Interior to secure the agreement of 
permittees or licensees before releasing data to states under certain 
circumstances.
    One commenter stated that shortening the proprietary time period 
associated with all geophysical data and information previously 
submitted, and submitted in the future, regardless of the terms of the 
original permit, is financially detrimental to the data owners. Two 
commenters stated that resetting the start date [of the proprietary 
term] to the date the permit is issued reduces the economic life of new 
geophysical information, and in effect reduces the return on investment 
in future non-exclusive seismic programs, hence stifling healthy 
competition and investment in new technologies and innovation.
    Another commenter further stated that investment in new non-
exclusive seismic programs will be reduced and employment will be 
adversely affected. Another commenter asserted that competition and 
exploration in the GOM will be limited to a few majors, eliminating 
small to medium exploration entities, eliminating a large portion of 
the MMS leases in the GOM, and eliminating even more geophysical 
companies.
    One commenter stated that since the collection and possession of 
G&G data is a valuable property right, MMS should reconsider 
promulgation of a rule which reduces or destroys the value of that 
property right by earlier release through promulgation of a regulation 
retroactive to June 1976.
    Response: MMS recognizes the significant investment that the 
geophysical service industry and the oil and gas industry make in 
acquiring, licensing, processing, and reprocessing geophysical data and 
information; and that the competitive and economic value of these data 
and information continues during the proprietary period. However, only 
data and information that are selected and retained by MMS will be 
released to the public. Data and information that are selected for 
inspection but not retained by MMS, or which are not selected for 
inspection, are not subject to release by MMS. Data owners and 
licensees may hold geophysical data and information that are not 
acquired by MMS confidential for as long as allowed by, for example, 
copyright or intellectual property law.
    MMS rarely acquires geophysical data (e.g., raw field tapes). 
Moreover, since most of the geophysical information that MMS retains 
was acquired within 2 to 3 years of the date the permit was issued, 
only a small amount of geophysical information would be released more 
than 3 years sooner by using the permit date than is currently the case 
when using the date of submission to MMS.
    Furthermore, as stated in the preamble of the proposed rulemaking, 
in 1988 MMS extended the proprietary term for geophysical data from 10 
years after the date of issuance of the permit to 50 years after the 
date of submission of the data to MMS, and for geophysical information 
from 10 years to 25 years after the date of submission of the 
information. Those changes, also made retroactive to June 1976, 
substantially increased the value to companies of data and information 
submitted to MMS.
    MMS does not believe that the proposed rule destroys or 
significantly reduces the value of property rights by earlier release 
through promulgation of a retroactive regulation.
    Comment: One commenter stated that computing power and imaging 
algorithms have been improving and developing more rapidly than data 
acquisition technology. Data owners have applied these computing 
technologies to existing geophysical data which has helped to open up 
exploration in areas with subsalt structures, gas clouds, and amplitude 
plays, and to illuminate deep gas on the continental shelf. New play 
ideas get tested; new technologies get developed; and a cycle of new 
processing begins. The proposed rule eliminates incentives for data 
owners to invest in new geophysical information derived from existing 
geophysical data.
    Another commenter stated that very few oil and gas companies are 
willing to pay the necessary fees for new seismic data to be acquired 
in the GOM. Reprocessing will continue to be the key enhancement 
related to seismic data.
    Response: MMS recognizes that increased computer capacity and the 
application of advanced algorithms to older raw data, or previously 
processed information, have improved imaging of sub-bottom geology. 
However, the use of modern computing techniques to process new seismic 
data acquired with advanced recording methods and instrumentation 
usually yields results that are superior to those obtained by 
reprocessing older data or information. Modern seismic data are 
acquired with more sensitive and reliable instruments; denser sampling 
of the sub-bottom; and superior navigation, positioning, and on-board 
data recording and processing techniques. MMS' experience is that 
industry continues to acquire seismic data in areas of dense coverage 
(e.g., GOM shallow shelf) with deeper seismic targets, and in areas of 
relatively sparse or no data coverage (e.g., deep water).
    Comment: One commenter stated that in some areas crowded production 
facilities provide obstacles to new data being acquired, leaving holes 
in the data which can be filled in by undershooting, but at a higher 
cost, or by reprocessing legacy geophysical data to create value-added 
derivative products.
    Response: MMS acknowledges that undershooting production facilities 
is usually more costly than shooting in unobstructed areas or 
reprocessing legacy data. However, in practice, acquiring new data is 
usually preferable to reprocessing older data in these areas.
    Comment: One commenter noted that the seismic industry is 
experiencing

[[Page 16036]]

increasing scrutiny from MMS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) Fisheries over the impacts of acoustic pulses and 
other emissions [from seismic surveys] on the health and well being of 
marine mammals, particularly the sperm whale which is listed as an 
endangered species. There are new restrictions on data acquisition 
operations, and some are suggesting that prime producing areas of the 
GOM should be designated as critical habitat which would make access 
more difficult.
    Response: MMS is funding a collaborative, international effort to 
study sperm whales in the GOM and determine what, if any, potential 
impacts there may be to sperm whales as a result of seismic survey 
activity. MMS also prepared a programmatic environmental assessment on 
geological and geophysical exploration activities in the GOM. The 
assessment found no significant potentially adverse impacts to sperm 
whales from seismic survey activities. MMS, as a precaution, developed 
mitigation measures to avoid or minimize any potential incidental 
(accidental) take of certain marine mammals in the GOM, and petitioned 
NOAA Fisheries to promulgate incidental take regulations governing the 
conduct of seismic surveys in the GOM. Any designation of critical 
habitat for the sperm whale in the GOM would be the responsibility of 
NOAA Fisheries under established Endangered Species Act procedures.
    Comment: One commenter noted that under the proposed changes, a 
company that reprocesses older data would enjoy a much shorter time 
period during which MMS would keep the reprocessed information 
confidential than under current regulations. Competitors could gain 
access to the reprocessed information in as few as 2 years after 
submittal of the information by the company.
    Another commenter stated that, for the explorer who desires to 
reprocess older data in order to make a decision as to whether to bid 
on a lease or not, consideration must be given to the fact that such a 
bid may precipitate a request from MMS for the reprocessed data set 
with the probability that it will be available to others in the near 
future. This will have a negative effect on whether or not to reprocess 
data as the data ages.
    Response: MMS acknowledges that it is possible that reprocessed 
information derived from data or information that is more than 20 years 
old could be made available in as few as 2 years after submittal. 
However, this would be a relatively rare occurrence.
    Processed seismic information that has been retained by MMS and is 
more than 20 years old was acquired on widely spaced 2-D grids. 
Reprocessing this older information would not result in quality or data 
density comparable to more recently acquired 2-D or 3-D seismic data 
and processed information.
    Also, most seismic information submitted to MMS was processed near 
or at the final stages of the processing sequence. Most reprocessing 
for or by licensees is conducted on information at earlier stages of 
processing, closer in the sequence to initial processing of edited 
field tapes. Thus, for the purposes of reprocessing publicly available 
seismic information, there would be little demand for the processed 
seismic information that MMS releases, following expiration of the 
proprietary term. Furthermore, very little seismic data would be 
available from MMS for processing as MMS rarely acquires seismic data 
which, if acquired, has a 50-year proprietary term.
    Most of the geophysical information that MMS selects and retains 
under Part 251 is information that was initially processed/reprocessed 
within 3 years after the permit date. However, approximately 5 percent 
of the information that MMS has retained was initially processed/
reprocessed more than 3 years after the permit date. For example, on 
occasion in areas of sparse data coverage, MMS will acquire geophysical 
information that was processed or reprocessed 15 years or more after 
the date of the permit under which the source data were collected. More 
commonly in these areas, MMS will acquire geophysical information that 
was processed shortly after data acquisition by a permittee, but was 
not selected and retained by MMS until 15 or more years after the data 
were processed.
    Comment: One commenter noted that E&P [exploration and production] 
companies (third parties) which process geophysical data that they 
obtain under license from permittees usually do not request, nor are 
generally furnished, information relative to the permits associated 
with acquisition of the data. The third parties will not have permit 
information available without having to undertake a significant effort 
to collect that needed information. Also, data libraries which have 
been bought out and/or which merged with other libraries may not be 
able to determine missing permit dates.
    Response: The great majority of geophysical information that MMS 
has acquired for retention under Part 251 is from permittees, which 
makes it easier to obtain the applicable permit dates associated with 
the information. MMS acquires a smaller, though increasing, amount of 
geophysical information from third parties who obtain licenses for, or 
acquire on an exclusive basis, data and information from permittees. 
When MMS acquires geophysical information from third parties, MMS is 
able to determine the associated permit date, albeit with more effort 
than from the original permittee.
    Comment: Three commenters noted that legacy seismic information 
from contiguous surveys acquired under different permits over a period 
of years are sometimes reprocessed together using new computing 
technology to produce a seamless, single volume of seismic information 
used to target a new exploration objective, and to better correlate 
discoveries and improve images at the former edges of permit areas.
    One of the commenters further noted that this single deliverable 
volume of seismic information derived from multiple permits would have 
to be separated into information sets, based on the original permit, 
before release to the public.
    Response: When MMS acquires geophysical information that cannot be 
adequately separated by permit date from other information in the same 
area (coincident or contiguous to each other), the most recent permit 
date will be used to determine the start of the proprietary term for 
the whole volume of information.
    Comment: One commenter stated that geophysical companies keep 
records of the dates non-exclusive geophysical information is available 
for license to exploration companies. The date the geophysical 
information first becomes available would be a logical change to the 
start time of the proprietary period during which MMS retains the 
information. Under this alternate solution, the geophysical data owners 
would submit to MMS the dates that the projects were first made 
available and certify that this information is accurate. Although under 
this alternate proposal the proprietary period for geophysical 
information would still be shortened for a great number of surveys that 
MMS has retained, it would be less onerous than using the permit date. 
This would also allow for each new investment in new geophysical 
information to have its own 25-year proprietary period.
    Another commenter proposed that the owner of geophysical data and 
information should be given two alternatives for determining the 
confidentiality period for geophysical information: (1) Use the permit 
date, as in the proposed rule, or (2) start the 25-

[[Page 16037]]

year period on the date of completion of data processing or 
reprocessing, on the condition that the owner of the information make 
electronic application to MMS for a 25-year confidentiality period; 
identify the area and product name of the information, permit date, and 
date of completion of the processing or reprocessing of the 
information; and certify the accuracy of information.
    Various grace periods to phase in the suggested alternatives to the 
proposed rule were offered by some commenters.
    Response: MMS believes that these alternatives do not alleviate the 
burden and impracticality of determining the release dates for 
geophysical data and information submitted to, and retained by, MMS. 
The date that a particular set of information is available to 
exploration companies, or the date processing or reprocessing is 
completed, is not adequate. The date that MMS acquires geophysical 
information usually does not coincide with the date the geophysical 
information is available for commercial purposes. MMS usually acquires 
information at a separate time or stage of data processing and 
development. Thus, the geophysical information acquired by MMS would 
not coincide in time or content with the information offered to 
exploration companies. Regarding dates on which data processing is 
complete, there would be many instances when these dates may not be 
available or accurate. For example, records are often not available 
from permittees who have gone out of business or have merged with other 
companies. Also, many companies, including permittees and third 
parties, did/do not keep accurate records of the date processing was 
completed or the dates that information was submitted to MMS.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested changing the proprietary term to 
a uniform period of 40 years from the date the permit is issued for G&G 
data and information acquired under Part 251 and submitted under Parts 
203, 250, or 251.
    Another commenter suggested eliminating the two-step proprietary 
period for geophysical data (50 years) and geophysical information (25 
years) by standardizing all geophysical data and information to a 50-
year period.
    Another commenter suggested granting a new start date of a 25-year 
term for new geophysical information generated when a geophysical 
company creates a new and improved product by processing data acquired 
5 years ago, or earlier.
    Response: Extending the proprietary terms of G&G data and 
information is not in the public interest. The final rulemaking 
balances the need to properly protect data and information that MMS 
acquires from industry with the need to increase competition for oil 
and gas exploration and to provide academia and other parties with 
information that may be used to better understand the geology of the 
sub-bottom.
    By comparison, G&G data and information acquired from lessees have 
much shorter proprietary terms than G&G data and information acquired 
from permitees. For example, most logs from wells drilled on GOM leases 
are released to the public 2 years after submittal. Geophysical data 
and information acquired from lessees are released 10 years after 
submittal, or when the lease expires, whichever is sooner. Also, 
proprietary terms for offshore geophysical exploration data and 
information in other countries are usually shorter than in the United 
States (U.S.). For example, for the continental shelves of Norway, 
United Kingdom, and Australia, the proprietary terms generally range 
from 2 to 10 years.
    Comment: One commenter voiced concern over the amount of 
geophysical information that will become public in the next 10 years, 
and questioned how digital information would be handled when the rules 
were written with the concept of paper information in mind. The 
commenter noted that to date, the information that has become public 
all consists of paper copies and is distributed on CDs in the form of 
PDF files. Geophysical information that will become available in the 
future will be digital. The commenter stated that this adds many 
complications to the process, and asked who will distribute the 
information.
    Response: MMS releases geophysical information on analog hard copy 
(paper and plastic transparencies) and on CDs. The information on CDs 
includes PDF files of seismic line and map images, TIFF files of 
seismic velocity panels, SEG-P1 navigation files for all seismic lines 
released, and digital seismic information in SEG-Y format. In the 
future, MMS may also release geophysical information on other digital 
media such as DVDs, DLT and LTO tapes, and/or on-line.
    Comment: Two commenters stated that a huge amount of information 
will become available to the public in the coming 10 years and that 
management of this information will be a very costly endeavor. 
Meanwhile, data owners already have data storage distribution 
facilities in place. The commenters suggested that MMS consider a 
policy that when geophysical information becomes publicly available, 
MMS list the availability on its Web site, and direct interested 
parties to the owner(s) of the data and information for copying and 
distribution.
    Response: MMS does not agree to suggestions that industry 
distribute publicly released data and information. MMS is responsible 
for a full, consistent, and timely distribution of data and information 
that are readily available to the public. Not all companies from which 
MMS acquired geophysical data and information still exist or, after 
mergers, have the proper records available and/or the means to 
distribute the data and information when their proprietary terms 
expire.
    Comment: Two commenters also noted that in other parts of the world 
the geophysical industry has experienced companies that access public 
information and use it for more than their own information purposes. 
Scanning and creating digital versions that can be altered and resold 
have occurred and are expected to continue to occur. If this takes 
place in the 50-year period of data exclusivity, then it would be very 
detrimental to the original data owner.
    The commenters further suggested that MMS publish a notice of 
ownership and owner rights on all forms of information released to the 
public; or that such notice of ownership or owner rights be stated in 
an accompanying informational transmittal or cover letter. The notice 
would state, notwithstanding the release of geophysical information, 
that the geophysical information remains the intellectual property of 
the party or parties who originally acquired the data or created the 
information, and is subject to their copyright and ownership rights. 
The notice would further state that the rights of individuals or other 
entities to use this geophysical information for their own use upon its 
public release was a condition of their securing the original right to 
acquire the data, either through their lease or by permit, and that 
everyone using publicly released data or information for any purpose 
other than their own use contact its owner.
    Response: In 2001, MMS started releasing to the public seismic 
information for which the 25-year proprietary terms have expired. MMS 
will continue to release, and will announce on its Web site the 
availability to the public of G&G information without stating 
restrictions on further use of the information. MMS is not in a 
position to affirm or endorse the existence or validity of specific 
intellectual property rights in any particular released information. 
However, there may be some type of

[[Page 16038]]

intellectual property right that attaches to some types of G&G 
information. Users should be aware that some of the information may be 
copyright protected, and that it is up to the user to determine what 
rights, if any, may apply to particular information. This is not an 
agreement, explicit or otherwise, that MMS is policing the use of 
released information. It is the intellectual property right owner's 
responsibility to diligently protect its rights.

Procedural Matters

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order (E.O.) 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.
    (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on 
the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or 
communities. MMS takes all actions that result from the change in the 
start dates of the proprietary terms, with no costs to outside parties. 
Similarly, there would be no costs associated to industry concerning 
our disclosing permitted geophysical information for ensuring proper 
development of fields or reservoirs.
    (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. There are 
no other Federal agencies involved in this process, because it relates 
to release or disclosure of geophysical data and information.
    (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects or entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or rights or obligations of their 
recipients. This rule has no effect on these programs or such rights.
    (4) This rule changes the basis for the start of proprietary terms 
for geophysical data and geophysical information acquired under a 
permit, retroactive to June 11, 1976. This rule does not raise novel 
legal or policy issues, although we recognize that this change in the 
start date may be controversial. Some geophysical companies have 
concerns that their data and information may be released by MMS earlier 
than under current regulations.
    However, any data to be released will be at least 50 years old, and 
any information to be released will be at least 25 years old. As 
previously stated, the intent of this rule is to alleviate 
administrative recordkeeping burdens and to ensure proper development 
of fields or reservoirs.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The Department certifies that this document will not have a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities 
under the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This revised rule would modify 
the start of the proprietary terms for geophysical data and information 
and add language to ensure proper development of fields or reservoirs 
under 30 CFR 251.14 and 250.196. The only entities affected by this 
rule change are certain geophysical companies, if still in existence, 
whose data and information being held by MMS may be released earlier 
than under current regulations. The Small Business Administration 
classifies geophysical surveying and mapping services companies under 
the North American Industry Classification System Code 541360. These 
changes will have no economic impact on these constituents, as MMS 
takes all of the actions with no cost to our customers.
    Your comments are important. The Small Business and Agriculture 
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were 
established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal 
agency enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the 
enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to small 
business. If you wish to comment on the enforcement actions of MMS, 
call toll-free 1-888-734-3247. You may comment to the Small Business 
Administration without fear of retaliation. Disciplinary action for 
retaliation by an MMS employee may include suspension or termination 
from employment with the Department of the Interior.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under the SBREFA, 5 U.S.C. 804(2). 
This rule:
    (1) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more. This rule would modify the proprietary terms for geophysical 
data and information for consistency with those for geological data and 
information, and allow for possible limited disclosure of certain 
permitted information for assuring proper development of a field or 
competitive reservoir. This rule will not impose any costs on industry.
    (2) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, state, or local government 
agencies, or geographic areas. The modification to the proprietary term 
and change in language regarding disclosure of information for proper 
development of fields or reservoirs will not cause a burden in terms of 
finance or time for any outside parties.
    (3) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises as the 
information to be released will be 25 years old, and any data to be 
released will be 50 years old.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995

    The proposed revisions to 30 CFR parts 250 and 251 refer to, but do 
not change, information collection requirements in current regulations. 
The rule proposes no new reporting or recordkeeping requirements, and 
an OMB form 83-I submission to OMB under the PRA, section 3507(d) is 
not required. The PRA provides that an agency may not conduct or 
sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of 
information and assigns a control number, you are not required to 
respond. OMB approved the referenced information collection 
requirements for 30 CFR 250 under OMB control number 1010-0114 (22,288 
burden hours, expiration October 31, 2007; and for 30 CFR 251 under OMB 
control number 1010-0048 (8,272 burden hours), expiration July 31, 
2006.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    According to E. O. 13132, this rule does not have Federalism 
implications. This rule does not substantially and directly affect the 
relationship between the Federal and State Governments. The 
modification to the proprietary terms affects only our own methods of 
doing business, and the added language regarding data disclosure would 
only be of interest to industry. There will be no financial costs to 
states.

Takings Implications Assessment (Executive Order 12630)

    According to Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have 
significant Takings implications. A Takings Implication Assessment is 
not required because the rule would not take away or restrict an 
operator's right to collect data and information and would have us 
maintain that data and information as proprietary under the terms of 
the permit.

[[Page 16039]]

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    According to E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has determined 
that the rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the 
requirements of Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. The rule would 
have little effect on the judicial system because it is an 
administrative action to modify the proprietary terms and support the 
MMS decision making process for proper development of fields or 
reservoirs.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    MMS has analyzed this rule according to the criteria of the NEPA 
and 516 DM. This rule does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An 
environmental assessment is not required.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of 1995

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. This rule does not create any kind of a mandate for state, local, 
or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the 
information required by the UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. is not 
required.

List of Subjects

30 CFR Part 250

    Administrative practice and procedure, Continental shelf, 
Government contracts, Oil and gas exploration, Public lands--mineral 
resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 251

    Continental shelf, Freedom of information, Geological and 
geophysical data, Oil and gas exploration, Public lands--mineral 
resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: March 14, 2006.
R.M. ``Johnnie'' Burton,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management Service 
(MMS) amends 30 CFR parts 250 and 251 as follows:

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER 
CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 9701.


0
2. In Sec.  250.196 the following changes are made:
0
A. Revise the section heading as set forth below.
0
B. Revise the introductory text as set forth below.
0
C. Revise paragraph (b) introductory text as set forth below.
0
D. Remove paragraph (b)(1); redesignate paragraphs (b)(2) through (10) 
as paragraphs (b)(1) through (9) respectively; and revise redesignated 
paragraph (b)(9) to read as set forth below.
0
E. Add new paragraph (c) to read as set forth below.


Sec.  250.196  Data and information to be made available to the public 
or for limited inspection.

    MMS will protect data and information that you submit under this 
part, and part 203 of this chapter, as described in this section. 
Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section describe what data and 
information will be made available to the public without the consent of 
the lessee, under what circumstances, and in what time period. 
Paragraph (c) of this section describes what data and information will 
be made available for limited inspection without the consent of the 
lessee, and under what circumstances.
* * * * *
    (b) MMS will release lease and permit data and information that you 
submit and MMS retains, but that are not normally submitted on MMS 
forms, according to the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 If                       MMS will release           At this time          Special  provisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
(9) Except for high-resolution data   G&G data, analyzed       Geological data and      None.
 and information released under        geological               information: 10 years
 paragraph (b)(2) of this section      information, processed   after MMS issues the
 data and information acquired by a    and interpreted G&G      permit; Geophysical
 permit under part 251 are submitted   information.             data: 50 years after
 by a lessee under 30 CFR part 203                              MMS issues the permit;
 or part 250.                                                   Geophysical
                                                                information: 25 years
                                                                after MMS issues the
                                                                permit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) MMS may allow limited inspection, but only by persons with a 
direct interest in related MMS decisions and issues in specific 
geographic areas, and who agree in writing to its confidentiality, of 
G&G data and information submitted under this part or part 203 of this 
chapter that MMS uses to:
    (1) Make unitization determinations on two or more leases;
    (2) Make competitive reservoir determinations;
    (3) Ensure proper plans of development for competitive reservoirs;
    (4) Promote operational safety;
    (5) Protect the environment;
    (6) Make field determinations; or
    (7) Determine eligibility for royalty relief.

PART 251--GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE 
OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
3. The authority citation for part 251 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.


0
4. In Sec.  251.14 paragraph (b) introductory text is revised, the 
table in paragraph (b)(1) is revised, and paragraph (b)(3) is added to 
read as follows:


Sec.  251.14  Protecting and disclosing data and information submitted 
to MMS under a permit.

* * * * *
    (b) Timetable for release of G&G data and information that MMS 
acquires. Except for high-resolution data and information released 
under 30 CFR 250.196(b)(2), MMS will release or disclose data and 
information that you or a third party submit and MMS retains in 
accordance with paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this section.
    (1) * * *

[[Page 16040]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             The Regional Director will
  If you or a third party submit and MMS    release them to the public *
               retains * * *                             * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Geological data and information.......  10 years after MMS issues
                                             the permit.
Geophysical data..........................  50 years after MMS issues
                                             the permit.
Geophysical information...................  25 years after MMS issues
                                             the permit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    (3) MMS may allow limited inspection, but only by persons with a 
direct interest in related MMS decisions and issues in specific 
geographic areas, and who agree in writing to its confidentiality, of 
G&G data and information submitted under this part that MMS uses to:
    (i) Make unitization determinations on two or more leases;
    (ii) Make competitive reservoir determinations;
    (iii) Ensure proper plans of development for competitive 
reservoirs;
    (iv) Promote operational safety;
    (v) Protect the environment;
    (vi) Make field determinations; or
    (vii) Determine eligibility for royalty relief.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 06-3009 Filed 3-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P