For the purpose of properly conserving the natural resources of any single oil, gas or other mineral, pool or field lessees under this chapter and their representatives may unite with each other jointly or separately, or jointly or separately with others owning or operating lands not belonging to the State, in collectively adopting and operating under a cooperative or unit plan of development or operation of the pool or field, whenever it is determined by the Secretary to be necessary or advisable in the public interest. The Secretary may, with the consent of the holders of the leases involved, establish, alter, change and revoke any drilling and production requirements of such leases, and make such regulations with reference to such leases, with like consent on the part of the lessees, in connection with the institution and operation of any such cooperative or unit plan, as the Secretary deems necessary or proper to secure the proper protection of the interests of the State.