What is the Minerals Management Service (MMS)?
A. The MMS is the Federal agency responsible for managing the mineral resources (such as oil and natural gas) in Federal waters offshore the United States and for collecting and disbursing the revenues from the production of these resources. In managing the offshore oil and gas resources, the MMS conducts environmental studies, issues leases, and regulates operations conducted on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The regulatory responsibilities include issuing permits for oil and gas exploration, development, and production and inspecting operations during all of these activities. The MMS manages the offshore mineral resources in concert with other Federal, State, and local agencies and in consultation with the public.
