Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has initiated the process for developing a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This effort, part of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program, marks a significant move towards what is described as "securing American Energy Dominance."
Secretary Burgum emphasized that "through a transparent and inclusive public engagement process, we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible offshore energy development—driving job creation, bolstering economic growth and strengthening American energy independence."
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will be publishing a Request for Information and Comments in the Federal Register. This action will initiate a 45-day public comment period, forming the initial stage of a multi-year planning process. Recently, BOEM's jurisdiction saw adjustments with the establishment of the High Arctic as the 27th OCS planning area, among other boundary updates.
As per the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Department of the Interior is required to gather inputs from interested and affected parties for the National OCS Program's development. BOEM will be asking for information on all OCS planning areas during this initial phase.
The forthcoming 11th National OCS Program is set to replace the current 10th Program (2024–2029), which includes three lease sales over five years, all in the Gulf of America. Although the 10th Program leases are ongoing, the development of the 11th Program is proceeding in parallel.
The current Request for Information does not propose specific timelines or pre-determine areas for future lease sales. Instead, it invites stakeholders to provide recommendations on leasing opportunities and other concerns related to offshore leasing activities.
The OCS is a key component of America's energy infrastructure, containing 2,227 active oil and gas leases, with 469 currently producing oil and gas. These leases generated significant revenue and supported jobs while contributing to the country's energy production.
President Trump's Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," supports maximizing the use of domestic energy sources. The order articulates U.S. policy to "encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf."
The Trump administration remains committed to expanding the country's offshore energy capabilities, as highlighted by Burgum's recent directive to proceed with a lease sale in the Gulf of America. This strategy is aimed at ensuring affordable energy, job creation, and reducing foreign dependency.
For additional details on BOEM’s National OCS Program, visit: www.boem.gov/national-program.
