Secretary Signs Order to Unleash American Offshore Energy\u00a0<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON \u2014 The Department of the Interior today announced a Secretary\u2019s Order titled \u201cUnleashing American Offshore Energy<\/a>,\u201d directing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to take the necessary steps, in accordance with federal law, to terminate the restrictive Biden 2024\u20132029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and replace it with a new, expansive 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program by October 2026. As part of this directive, the Department is releasing the Secretary\u2019s Draft Proposed Program for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.\u00a0<\/p>\n These actions reflect the Trump administration\u2019s continued commitment to restoring American Energy Dominance by replacing the smallest offshore leasing plan ever published by an administration with one that fully addresses the nation\u2019s growing energy needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOffshore oil and gas production does not happen overnight. It takes years of planning, investment, and hard work before barrels reach the market,\u201d said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. \u201cThe Biden administration slammed the brakes on offshore oil and gas leasing and crippled the long-term pipeline of America\u2019s offshore production. By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America\u2019s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Under the new proposal for the 2026\u20132031 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, Interior is taking a major step to boost United States energy independence and sustain domestic oil and gas production. The proposal includes as many as 34 potential offshore lease sales across 21 of 27 existing Outer Continental Shelf planning areas, covering approximately 1.27 billion acres. That includes 21 areas off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Gulf of America, and six along the Pacific coast. The proposal also includes the Secretary\u2019s decision to create a new administrative planning area, the South-Central Gulf of America.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOffshore oil and gas development requires long-term vision, steady policy, and the confidence for companies to invest in American energy. For years, that confidence was undercut by the Biden Administration\u2019s failed leasing policies,\u201d said Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the National Energy Dominance Council. \u201cBy putting a real leasing plan back on track, we\u2019re restoring energy security, protecting American jobs, and strengthening the nation\u2019s ability to lead on energy for decades to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n This action implements Executive Order 14154<\/a> and supplements Secretary\u2019s Order 3418<\/a>, both titled \u201cUnleashing American Energy.\u201d The orders instruct all Interior Department bureaus and offices to accelerate responsible energy development consistent with federal law. By replacing the failed Biden-era plan with a robust and competitive offshore leasing program, the Department will open new opportunities for offshore investment and job creation, reinforce America\u2019s role as a global energy leader, and help ensure a stable and secure energy supply well into the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n