Minerals Management and Conflict Resolution

Alcorn, Steven R.; ,

Minerals Management and Conflict Resolution

by Steven R. Alcorn, Minerals Management Service, Camarillo, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '93

Abstract:

Development of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in Federal waters along the Pacific coast of the United States has been a controversial issue for years. The Minerals Management Service has initiated various approaches to identify and resolve concerns arising as a result of proposed mineral developments. Resolution has been attempted at all levels of interest from site-specific local issues to far-reaching national policy. This paper describes and evaluates some of the efforts made to resolve environmental conflicts associated with proposed outer continental shelf oil and gas and hard minerals projects. In addition to improving necessary lines of communications, these efforts have been successful in addressing sensitive, local issues and in developing positive professional relationships. Successful future exploration and development of marine minerals or hydrocarbons in U.S. waters will likely require substantive efforts to involve a wide variety of government and local participants.

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