The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the availability of the Area Identification for the proposed Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 in northern Cook Inlet, Alaska. This step is part of the 2017-2022 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The Area ID is a preliminary assessment and does not mean that leasing will definitely occur; further steps, including environmental analysis and public comments, are still needed. More information is accessible on BOEM's website and through contact with their Alaska Regional Office.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting companies explore a part of the sea in Alaska to see if they can find oil and gas, but they need to ask for everyone's thoughts and make sure it's safe first.