The US has announced 11th national outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing programme, which will include a new High Arctic planning area offshore Alaska.
US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to begin a public engagement process for the development of a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the US OCS.
This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to federal agencies to seek ways to further increase the nation’s already high oil and gas output, despite previous administrations’ efforts to limit drilling for climate change mitigation.
The department is set to open a 45-day public comment period to kickstart the development of the leasing programme.
While no specific timelines or locations for new leasing auctions have been proposed, the Interior Department is inviting stakeholders to contribute insights and recommendations, voice concerns, and identify other interests that may be impacted by offshore leasing activities.
US Interior Department secretary Doug Burgum said: “Launching the process to develop the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program marks a decisive step toward securing American Energy Dominance. Through a transparent and inclusive public engagement process, we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible offshore energy development—driving job creation, bolstering economic growth and strengthening American energy independence.
“Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources to benefit the American people for generations to come.”
The BOEM, a division of the Interior Department, has recently expanded its jurisdiction to include a new planning area in the High Arctic.
Additionally, the boundaries of other OCS planning areas are under revision, indicating that new areas may soon be available for exploration and drilling.
Despite the new initiative, the Interior Department confirmed that the offshore drilling auctions scheduled for the upcoming years in the Gulf of Mexico, referred to by the Trump administration as the Gulf of America, will proceed as planned under the Biden administration.
Offshore leases currently contribute to approximately 14% of US crude oil production.
