U.S. Unveils Long-Term Offshore Leasing Plan Under One Big Beautiful Bill

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales, following the requirements of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).

The plan outlines lease opportunities in both the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

Officials said the leasing schedule is part of President Donald Trump’s energy strategy to expand production at home and strengthen U.S. energy independence.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the program under Trump’s leadership is designed to secure energy dominance, create well-paying jobs, and encourage responsible offshore development.

The plan includes at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America, a region that accounts for about 14–15% of U.S. crude oil output and plays a central role in offshore energy supply.

The Gulf’s oil and gas industry supports thousands of jobs, contributes tens of billions of dollars to GDP annually, and generates significant revenues for both federal and state governments.

Officials said the predictable sales schedule provides much-needed clarity for companies and supports further investment in deepwater infrastructure, which is critical to long-term national energy resilience.

The program also schedules six lease sales in Cook Inlet, Alaska, through 2032. The Interior Department said this will bring new employment opportunities, strengthen local economies, and attract long-term investments into Alaskan communities.

Cook Inlet, located along the state’s south-central coast near Anchorage, has been identified as a key area for energy development. Officials said that Alaska’s position as both an energy hub and a gateway to the Arctic makes it essential to U.S. energy security. They said development in the region will help reduce reliance on foreign imports while continuing Alaska’s role in providing reliable energy for the country.

The first lease sale under the new law has already been scheduled. The Gulf of America Lease Sale, titled “Big Beautiful Gulf 1,” will take place on December 10, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management confirmed it will publish the final sale notice at least 30 days before the auction.

Reference: US DOI

Source: Maritime Shipping News