MMS received no request to continue the sale process for exploring Norton Basin for oil and gas in its first Call for Information for the area that closed on April 22nd. “We didn’t expect much interest from companies at this time,” said MMS Regional Director John Goll. “This first Call for Information got the idea of a small focused sale out to the companies. The areas off Western Alaska are largely unexplored and have no developed infrastructure for supporting oil and gas exploration. They may contain substantial natural gas resources that could be used for local communities, as well export. “WE heard from communities, such as Nome, on St. Lawrence Island, and in the Yukon Delta, that they would like to see new energy sources to improve their economic outlook.