256.31—State comments.
(a)
Within 60 days after notice of a proposed lease sale, a Governor of any affected State or any affected local government in such State may submit recommendations to the Secretary regarding the size, timing or location of the proposed lease sale. Prior to submitting recommendations to the Secretary, any affected local government shall forward such recommendation to the Governor.
(b)
The Secretary shall accept such recommendations of the Governor and may accept recommendations of any affected local government if he determines, after having provided the opportunity for consultation, that they provide for a reasonable balance between the national interest and the well-being of the citizens of the affected State. A determination of the national interest shall be based on the findings, purposes and policies of the Act.
(c)
The Secretary shall communicate to the Governor, in writing, the reasons for his determination to accept or reject such Governor's recommendations, or to implement any alternative means identified in consultation with the Governor to provide for a reasonable balance between the national interest and the well-being of the citizens of the affected State.