The Department of the Interior has announced a notable increase in the estimated oil and gas reserves located in the Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf. This update emphasizes the Gulf's importance to national security and American energy priorities.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified an additional 1.30 billion barrels of oil equivalent added since 2021, now totaling 7.04 billion barrels of oil equivalent. These reserves consist of 5.77 billion barrels of oil and 7.15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, marking a 22.6% increase in the amount of remaining recoverable resources.
“‘This new data confirms what we’ve known all along—America is sitting on a treasure trove of energy, and under President Trump’s leadership, we’re unlocking it,’ said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. ‘The Gulf of America is a powerhouse, and by streamlining permitting and expanding access, we’re not just powering our economy—we’re strengthening our national security and putting thousands of Americans back to work.’”
The updated assessment performed by BOEM involved an evaluation of over 140 oil and gas fields, noting 18 new discoveries, and an analysis of more than 37,000 reservoirs across 1,336 fields in the Gulf. The review added 4.39 billion barrels of oil equivalent in new, original reserves. Accounting for production, subtracting 3.09 billion barrels since 2020–2021, this reflects ongoing potential and movement in offshore oil and gas development.
“‘The Gulf of America is delivering 14% of the nation’s oil,’ said Dr. James Kendall, BOEM Gulf of America Regional Director. ‘These updated estimates reaffirm the Gulf’s vital role in ensuring a reliable, affordable domestic energy supply.’”
BOEM manages an area of nearly 3.2 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf, with approximately 160 million acres situated in the Gulf. The region remains pivotal for the country's offshore energy strategy.
In the earlier part of 2025, the Trump administration reiterated its intention to expand offshore energy initiatives. On April 4, 2025, Secretary Doug Burgum directed BOEM to proceed with an oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf.
Expanding offshore capabilities is central to the United States' ambitions for energy dominance, aimed at securing affordable energy for consumers, creating well-paying jobs, and reducing reliance on overseas energy providers. The Department of the Interior is facilitating this through regulatory simplifications and resource unlocking efforts to bolster the job market.
Opening more of the Outer Continental Shelf is a primary strategy component for achieving energy independence. The expanded leasing is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs across exploration and production sectors, boosting coastal economies and fostering American industrial innovation.
For further details and access to the updated BOEM oil and gas reserves report, visit the agency's website at boem.gov.
