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Planning areas are used to support the 5-Year Oil and Gas Program consisting of a schedule of oil and gas lease sales indicating the size, timing and location of proposed leasing activity the Secretary of Interior determines will best meet national energy needs for the five year period following its approval. An area must be included in the current 5-Year Program in order to be offered for leasing. Section 18 of the OCS Lands Act prescribes the major steps involved in developing a 5-Year Program including extensive public comment steps. A 5-Year Program balances energy needs and environmental considerations in accordance with 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 256.8 to support Federal land ownership and mineral resource management. |