Interior Department Activities Concerning Proposed Natural Gas Tight Formations in Montana

In response to a congressional request, GAO answered questions relating to a petroleum firm's application for the designation of proposed natural gas formations as tight formations. Under the provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act, gas produced from tight formation areas may qualify for higher prices. The Minerals Management Service had first recommended that the State responsible for the land not designate the area for tight formations and then reversed its position after meeting with the firm's representatives.