The bids are in for Western Gulf of Mexico Federal Oil and Gas Lease Sale 210 to be held August 19. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Region announced that 189 bids were received from 26 companies on 162 tracts offered offshore Texas. “This sale is an important part of a balanced domestic energy plan that includes development of offshore renewable energy resources as well as oil and gas,” said MMS Director Liz Birnbaum. Reading of the sealed bids will take place August 19, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The sales will be Webcast through the Offshore Oil Scouts Association at www.oosa.com. Real Player will need to be installed in order to run the Webcast.