The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue, on a competitive basis, leases for oil and gas, and sulphur, in submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Act authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way, rights-of-use and easements through the submerged lands of the OCS. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6213), prohibits joint bidding by major oil and gas producers.