The State Mineral Lease Commission, a five member ex-officio board, was established to conserve, protect, and explore the natural resources of Mississippi’s public lands. Through the leasing of state lands to individuals, independent oil operators, and major oil corporations, the commission was to convey revenue into the state treasury. This report was an evaluation of the commission’s performance in its leasing and conservation duties.
The present structure of the commission and the lack of a full-time staff hampered fulfillment of commission responsibilities. The PEER Committee recommended that the functions of the commission be transferred to an existing agency because of the part-time nature of the present organization. The Oil and Gas Board and the Board of Geological, Economic, and Topographical Surveys were similar in function and would be logical choices. Also recommended was the addition of the State Geologist to the commission.
To generate more revenue, a more active program of leasing Mississippi’s state-owned mineral resources should be implemented. Other recommendations included improving the commission’s accounting system and updating the list of state-owned lands available for lease.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.