The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched the early stages of a new plan for offshore oil and gas leasing, signaling the start of a years-long process that could shape the future of domestic offshore energy production.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will publish a request for information and comments (RFI) in the Federal Register, initiating a 45-day public comment period and officially kicking off development of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
This move comes as the current 10th OCS Program, which spans 2024 to 2029, continues to progress with just three lease sales planned — all in the Gulf of Mexico. The forthcoming 11th Program is expected to replace the existing schedule upon completion.
“Launching the process to develop the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program marks a decisive step toward securing American Energy Dominance,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a press release. “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.”
Under executive order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” President Donald Trump directed government agencies to find ways to increase U.S. oil and gas production, arguing previous administrations had curtailed drilling unnecessarily. He also reversed former President Joe Biden’s bans on drilling in the Arctic and along large sections of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
"Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources to benefit the American people for generations to come," said Burgum.
Industry groups praised the Interior Department's move as a crucial step toward restoring long-term certainty and stability for U.S. offshore energy production.
“The Gulf of America — and the broader American offshore — plays an essential role in powering the nation, contributing nearly $33 billion to the U.S. economy each year, supporting close to 400,000 jobs, and reinforcing our energy security,” said Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association trade group. “A robust leasing program ensures continued investment, innovation, and global leadership in safe, responsible offshore energy production.”
While the new RFI does not include proposed lease sale locations or timelines, it does ask stakeholders for feedback on potential leasing areas, environmental and economic considerations, and conflicts with other uses of offshore waters.
As part of this effort, BOEM is updating its planning areas to reflect changes in jurisdiction. A newly established High Arctic area off Alaska will be added as the 27th official OCS planning area. Adjustments to existing area boundaries will also be made, with additional details to be published alongside the RFI.
Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Department of the Interior is required to seek public input as part of the leasing program's development. This early stage is meant to gather a wide range of perspectives—including those from industry, coastal communities, environmental groups, and tribal nations—on how offshore leasing might affect economic, ecological, and cultural interests.
As of April 1, BOEM oversees 2,227 active leases covering about 12.1 million acres across the OCS, of which 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. In fiscal year 2024, production from these leases accounted for roughly 14% of U.S. oil output and 2% of natural gas output, generating approximately $7 billion in federal revenue.
BOEM’s most recent resource assessment estimates that the OCS holds about 68.79 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 229.03 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
While the Department of the Interior’s approach to offshore leasing continues to evolve, federal officials emphasized that development of the 11th Program will proceed concurrently with the execution of existing lease sales under the current schedule.
The public will have the opportunity to review and comment once the RFI is officially published in the Federal Register. Further updates, including mapping changes to OCS planning areas, will be made available on BOEM’s website, the Interior Department said
