285.203—With whom will MMS consult before issuance of a lease?

For leases issued under this part, through either the competitive or noncompetitive process, MMS prior to issuing the lease, will coordinate and consult with relevant Federal agencies (including, in particular, those agencies involved in planning activities that are undertaken to avoid conflicts among users and maximize the economic and ecological benefits of the OCS, including multifaceted spatial planning efforts), the Governor of any affected State, the executive of any affected local government, and any affected Indian tribe, as directed by sub sections 8(p)(4) and (7) of the OCS Lands Act or other relevant Federal laws. Federal statutes that require us to consult with or respond to findings include the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).