This week, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska's Cook Inlet, in accordance with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

"The announcement of a long-term schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales is the next step in solidifying American energy dominance and restoring our energy independence. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Americans will have a future of lower energy costs and less pain at the pump. A predictable offshore leasing schedule will secure investment and increase revenues to states and the federal government which is pivotal in supporting a wide range of public services, infrastructure projects and conservation initiatives. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and Secretary Burgum to unleash the full potential of America’s natural resources through the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act."

Background

Since the inception of the National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing program in 1980, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has implemented nine offshore oil and gas leasing programs prior to the publication of the 2024-2029 Program. These sales showcased the vast energy potential of the OCS regions and underlined the nation's resolve to meet its energy demands while highlighting the economic benefits that the U.S. Treasury and coastal states gain from offshore activities.

The Biden administration took radical action by delaying the National OCS Leasing Program for two full years, letting the 2017-2022 program expire without a replacement for the first time in program history. Subsequently, the Biden administration published a plan in 2024, bringing the total number of lease sales down from the historic average of 24 to three sales over five years (2024-2029) and left Alaska without a single lease sale.

The Biden administration’s 2024–2029 Proposed Final Program decimated lease sales, which purposely and directly reduces future offshore energy receipts, restricts Treasury revenues, limits the gross domestic product (GDP) growth and raises gasoline and energy prices for American families. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reverses course and puts America back on track by directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct mandatory offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Cook Inlet Planning Area.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains numerous provisions to support the increased development of natural resources. The legislation unlocks the full potential of American energy and ingenuity to save more than $20 billion for the federal government, while creating jobs and growing the economy. Estimates project the legislation will generate as much as $91.5. billion in new savings and revenue. Additionally, the bill implements President Trump’s executive orders on forestry management by increasing timber harvesting and mandating new 20-year contracts.