Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary | official facebook
The Department of the Interior has announced a long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet, following the directives of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). This move is intended to provide a predictable timeline for lease sales, which federal officials say will help expand domestic energy production and support U.S. energy independence.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “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.”
The plan includes at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America through 2040. The region currently accounts for about 14–15% of U.S. crude oil production and plays a central role in offshore energy output. Federal officials state that these scheduled sales are designed to give clarity to the oil and gas sector, encouraging investment in deepwater infrastructure—an important part of national energy resilience. The Gulf region supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, adds tens of billions to GDP each year, and provides significant revenue for both federal and state governments.
Alaska’s Cook Inlet will see six lease sales through 2032 under this plan. The Department notes that responsible development in this area could create new jobs, strengthen local economies, and attract long-term investment to Alaskan communities. Alaska is seen as an important strategic hub for U.S. energy security due to its proximity to the Arctic.
The first sale under this new law—titled "Big Beautiful Gulf 1"—is scheduled for December 10, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will issue the final notice at least 30 days before the sale date.
A full schedule lists specific months for both Cook Inlet and Gulf of America lease sales from 2025 through 2040. More details on BOEM's leasing process can be found at https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing.
According to officials, this schedule fulfills legal requirements while advancing priorities such as economic growth, reducing reliance on foreign energy sources, and maintaining America's position as a global leader in energy production.
