Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the successful first Gulf of America oil and gas lease sale under the Working Families Tax Cut law. House Committee on Natural Resources members issued the following statements in response:

“Since day one, the Trump administration and House Republicans have been committed to enacting policies that boost domestic energy production, create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs. Today’s successful lease sale is a giant leap forward to deliver on our promise to provide American families with greater access to affordable and reliable energy,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).

“The Trump administration is delivering on its promises for the American people. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Burgum for delivering the first offshore oil and gas lease sale required under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Today’s $279 million in high bids proves that when we cut red tape and unleash American energy, companies invest, jobs are created, and families get lower costs at the pump. This is exactly what Minnesotans and Americans across the country expect—reliable, affordable energy made right here at home. I’m proud to support policies that put American Energy Dominance first,” said Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.).

“The Gulf Coast depends on a clear, reliable energy strategy, and the Biden administration’s failed five-year plan has put our workers, our economy, and our national security at risk. I’m glad to see the Trump administration moving forward with a responsible leasing program that restores certainty, supports good-paying jobs and helps keep America energy independent. South Mississippi knows the value of American energy, and I’ll keep fighting for policies that put our people and our future first,” said Representative Mike Ezell (R-Miss.).

Background

Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 1 is the first offshore lease sale required under the House Committee on Natural Resources provisions of H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts law (WFTC), which was enacted on July 4, 2025. The WFTC provides for robust onshore and offshore oil, gas and coal leasing nationwide to incentivize domestic energy production and lower energy costs.