BOEM Floats Draft Plan for Deep-Sea Oil Leases
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The government just released a draft plan for the 11th round of offshore oil and gas leasing, inviting everyone—from local communities to environmental groups—to share their thoughts by January 23, 2026. This plan could change where and how oil and gas companies explore and drill in U.S. coastal waters, affecting jobs, the environment, and local economies. It’s a big deal for anyone interested in energy, the ocean, or coastal life!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Major OCS Resources Opened for Leasing
The 11th Draft Proposed Program would make more than 85 percent of the estimated technically recoverable Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas resources available for leasing during the five-year period following program approval. BOEM’s 1st Proposal includes a schedule of 34 lease sales across three of four OCS regions, covering all or portions of 21 of the 27 OCS planning areas with sale years listed from 2026 through 2031.
Public Nominations for Areas To Exclude
During the public comment period, BOEM is soliciting nominations for environmentally sensitive areas that may be considered for exclusion from leasing. You (Tribal, state, and local governments; Native organizations; environmental groups; industry; and the public) may submit nominations and comments by January 23, 2026.
Geographic Scope: Exclusions and New GOA Area
The 1st Proposal does not include a potential lease sale in the North Aleutian Basin Planning Area, the Washington/Oregon Planning Area, or any Atlantic planning areas. The Secretary intends to create a new South-Central Gulf of America (GOA) Planning Area aligned with GOA Program Area B and has decided to remove the remaining areas within the current Eastern GOA Planning Area from further leasing consideration.
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