Title from cover screen (viewed on Apr. 8, 2010).

"March 2010."

"GAO-10-276."

Includes bibliographical references.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Interest has re-emerged in developing oil and gas in the nation's offshore areas, such as the North Aleutian Basin. Located on the outer continental shelf (OCS) where the Aleutian Islands meet the Alaskan mainland around Bristol Bay, the basin may contain sizable oil and gas deposits, although the area's environmental and cultural sensitivity has made oil and gas development in the area controversial. The Alaska OCS Region within the Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) oversees oil and gas development in this offshore area. GAO was asked to examine issues related to oil and gas development in the North Aleutian Basin. This report (1) describes the basin's estimated quantities of oil and gas and needed infrastructure; (2) identifies steps MMS is to take to meet federal requirements for oil and gas development; and (3) identifies challenges, if any, MMS faces in meeting these requirements in its Alaska OCS Region. GAO analyzed laws and documents and interviewed representatives from MMS, other federal agencies, state agencies, industry, and other stakeholders. GAO recommends that MMS develop additional, comprehensive guidance for conducting and reviewing environmental analyses and fully implement agency policy on information sharing. Interior generally agreed with our findings and fully concurred with our recommendations.