The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a new long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The announcement marks a shift in federal energy policy, aiming to expand domestic production.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) responded to the news, stating: “The announcement of a long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales is the next step in solidifying American energy dominance and restoring our energy independence. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Americans will have a future of lower energy costs and less pain at the pump. A predictable offshore leasing schedule will secure investment and increase revenues to states and the federal government which is pivotal in supporting a wide range of public services, infrastructure projects and conservation initiatives. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and Secretary Burgum to unleash the full potential of America’s natural resources through the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Since 1980, nine previous offshore oil and gas leasing programs have been implemented under the National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing program. These efforts have highlighted both energy potential in OCS regions and economic benefits for coastal states.
Recent years saw changes under different administrations. The Biden administration delayed updates to the National OCS Leasing Program for two years after allowing the 2017-2022 program to expire without replacement—the first such lapse since its inception. A plan published in 2024 reduced lease sales from an average of 24 per five-year period down to three between 2024–2029, with no new leases offered in Alaska.
Westerman criticized these reductions: “The Biden administration’s 2024–2029 Proposed Final Program decimated lease sales, which purposely and directly reduces future offshore energy receipts, restricts Treasury revenues, limits the gross domestic product (GDP) growth and raises gasoline and energy prices for American families. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reverses course and puts America back on track by directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct mandatory offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Cook Inlet Planning Area.”
The legislation includes measures intended to increase natural resource development. It is projected that it could save more than $20 billion for the federal government while creating jobs. Additional estimates suggest up to $91.5 billion could be generated through new savings and revenue streams. The bill also implements executive orders related to forestry management by expanding timber harvesting operations through mandated long-term contracts.
