- 30 lease sales planned in the Gulf of America, covering 14–15% of U.S. crude output.
- The Gulf lease program aims to support jobs and deepwater investment.
- Six lease sales are scheduled in Alaska’s Cook Inlet through 2032.
The Department of the Interior has rolled out an extensive schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the “Gulf of America” (better known to many as the Gulf of Mexico) and Alaska’s Cook Inlet. This initiative comes in response to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and aims to enhance U.S. energy independence by creating reliable offshore development opportunities, reports gCaptain.
Administration’s Energy Priorities
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the new framework: “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re putting in place a bold, long-term program that strengthens American Energy Dominance, creates good-paying jobs and ensures we continue to responsibly develop our offshore resources.”
Lease Sales in the Gulf of America
The long-term plan includes at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America, which is responsible for about 14–15% of the country’s crude oil production. Officials believe this strategy will bring stability to the offshore oil and gas industry, encouraging investment in deepwater infrastructure. The Gulf region already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions of dollars to the U.S. GDP each year.
Cook Inlet Development
In Alaska, there are six lease sales on the agenda for Cook Inlet through 2032. Located along the south-central coast near Anchorage, Cook Inlet is seen as a vital energy resource. Officials argue that developing this area will create jobs, boost local economies, and lessen our dependence on foreign energy sources.
Environmental Opposition
Environmental groups strongly criticised the program. Athan Manuel, Director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, said: “Trump’s billionaire giveaway reconciliation bill declared open season on our precious public lands and waters. Trump promised Big Oil CEOs he would give them free rein if they backed his campaign, and he delivered with the most anti-environment law in our history. The lease sales announced today make it clear that as far as Trump is concerned, no area of public lands and waters is safe from drilling, mining, and logging if it offers a chance to boost the bottom lines of corporate polluters.”
First Lease Sale Scheduled
The inaugural lease sale under this new program, dubbed Big Beautiful Gulf 1, is set for December 10, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will issue the final notice at least 30 days in advance.
Strategic Alignment
According to the Interior Department, this consistent lease schedule aligns with the Trump administration’s goals of promoting economic growth, reducing foreign energy dependence, and ensuring U.S. leadership in the global energy market.
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Source: gCaptain
