The Department of the Interior has announced a comprehensive long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska's Cook Inlet, as directed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). The announcement, made on August 19, 2025, represents the Trump administration's commitment to expanding American energy production and strengthening U.S. energy independence.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as "a landmark step toward unleashing America's energy potential," stating that under President Trump's leadership, the department is "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."

Gulf of America Lease Sales

The leasing schedule includes at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America, highlighting the region's critical role in America's energy ecosystem. The Gulf of America accounts for roughly 14-15% of U.S. crude oil production and serves as the linchpin of offshore energy output. According to the Interior Department, the Gulf supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, contributes tens of billions to GDP annually, and generates substantial federal and state revenues.

The first sale under the new law, titled "Big Beautiful Gulf 1," is scheduled for December 10, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will publish the final notice at least 30 days before the sale. Following the initial sale, the Gulf of America will host two lease sales annually in March and August from 2026 through 2039, with a final sale scheduled for March 2040. 

The department emphasizes that these scheduled sales provide the oil and gas sector with much-needed clarity and stability, encouraging continued investment in deepwater infrastructure, which is foundational to national energy resilience.

Alaska Cook Inlet Development

Alaska's Cook Inlet, located along the state's south-central coast near Anchorage, is positioned as central to America's energy future under the new leasing plan. The schedule includes six lease sales in Cook Inlet through 2032, with sales planned for March of each year from 2026 through 2032, plus an additional sale in 2030.

The Interior Department states that Alaska's unique position as both a strategic energy hub and a gateway to the Arctic makes it essential to U.S. energy security.

The plan is designed to ensure Alaskans benefit from new jobs, stronger local economies, and long-term investment in their communities. Responsible development in Cook Inlet is intended to help reduce reliance on foreign imports while supporting Alaska's decades-long tradition of powering America with reliable, homegrown energy.

Revenue Sharing Increases

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill implementation, the Department of the Interior announced on August 12, 2025, that the annual revenue-sharing cap for Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf energy revenues will increase from $500 million to $650 million. This increase takes effect beginning in fiscal year 2025 and will continue through 2034, providing additional financial benefits to coastal states.

Related Energy Initiatives

The offshore leasing announcement is part of broader energy policy changes under the Trump administration. On August 8, 2025, the Interior Department approved a mining plan modification that will unlock 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope Mine in Converse County, Wyoming. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement issued the decision following completion of a rigorous environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. 

Additionally, on August 7, 2025, the Department launched a comprehensive review of offshore wind energy regulations to ensure alignment with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and America's energy priorities under President Trump. This review includes examining the Renewable Energy Modernization Rule, financial assurance requirements, and decommissioning cost estimates for offshore wind projects to ensure federal regulations do not provide preferential treatment to what the department characterizes as unreliable, foreign-controlled energy sources over dependable, American-made energy.

The predictable leasing schedule is designed to meet the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's requirements while advancing the Trump administration's stated priorities of growing the economy, reducing dependence on foreign energy, and maintaining America's position as a global energy leader. More information on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's leasing process is available at boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing.