Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Information Program: Alaska index (December 1974-November 1980)

The United States is currently engaged in an effort to develop the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). In Alaska, State jurisdiction extends for 3 geographical (nautical) miles (5.56 km) from the coastline. The OCS, which comprises the submerged lands of the Continental Shelf seaward of the State boundary, is under Federal jurisdiction. Activities occurring offshore must be supplied and supported from land, and the onshore activities required may have significant effects on the communities in which they occur. For example, oil and gas production might involve the expansion of existing transportation and processing facilities and the construction of new ones, and it might trigger an influx of workers and change employment patterns. These effects, in turn, could influence regional income, demand on public services, tax revenues, and air and water quality.