WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy has announced the dates for three public meetings regarding the site selection for the proposed Richton salt dome petroleum facility, U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker said today.     

The department has also announced the commencement of a public comment period, which begins today. 

“I applaud the Energy Department for holding these meetings so that the concerned voices of those in Southern Mississippi can be heard,” Sen. Wicker said.  “Mississippians need to be involved in this process, and this provides them that opportunity.  I encourage all interested citizens to provide input to the Energy Department by either attending one of the public meetings or by contacting the department directly.”   

The dates and locations of the public meetings are as follows:

• April 8, 2008; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Leakesville (Greene County)
• April 9, 2008; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Lucedale (George County)
• April 10, 2008; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Pascagoula (Jackson County)

The public is also invited to submit written comments and suggestions.  All comments received or postmarked by April 29, 2008 will be considered.  Comments can be submitted to:

            Donald Silawsky
            Office of Petroleum Reserves (FE-47)
            U.S. Dept. of Energy
            1000 Independence Ave., SW
             Washington, DC 20585-0301

Mr. Silawsky may also be contacted by telephone at (202) 586-1892, by facsimile at (202) 586-4446, or by electronic mail at donald.silawsky@hq.doe.gov

Envelopes and the subject line of e-mails or faxes should be labeled “Scoping for the SPR SEIS.”

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