The Interior Department on Tuesday announced a plan to hold 30 auctions for oil drilling rights in U.S. oceans over the next 15 years.
The schedule, mandated by Republicans’ recently passed tax and spending megalaw, dramatically expands the access oil and gas companies will have to explore U.S. oceans for fossil energy. It will replace a five-year strategy developed during the Biden administration that sought to shrink fossil fuel development from public lands and waters by holding just three offshore oil lease sales over the next five years.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a statement. “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.”
Lease sales will take place twice a year in the Gulf of Mexico, where most of the nation’s offshore oil is produced, between now and 2039. In 2040, one lease sale is scheduled in the Gulf, which President Donald Trump earlier this year named the Gulf of America.
