U.S. Department of the Interior announces long-term oil drilling schedule
- The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled a long-term schedule for new offshore oil and gas leases.
- The first sale is scheduled for December 10 as part of at least 30 auctions in the Gulf by 2040 and six in Alaska by 2032.
- The administration argues that the program will create jobs and strengthen American energy dominance.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced its schedule for offshore oil and gas leases in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico on August 19, 2025. This long-term program is part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and is aimed at strengthening America's energy independence. The initial sale is set for December 10, part of at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf by March 2040, and six sales by 2032 for Alaska's Cook Inlet. According to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, this initiative intends to create good-paying jobs and promote responsible development of offshore resources. The administration emphasizes that Alaska is crucial for the future of the nation's energy landscape, describing the sales as a means to clarify investment opportunities in deepwater infrastructure. The Gulf of Mexico is highlighted for its significant contribution, providing approximately 14-15% of the country's crude oil production, and claims of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs are made. The economic implications of these lease sales are portrayed as both immediate and long-lasting, with federal and state revenues projected to support vital public services. The White House's June announcement about allowing oil and gas exploration in 82% of sensitive Alaskan landscapes underscores the administration's commitment to increasing energy production. Interior officials assert that Alaska serves as a strategic energy hub and is key to U.S. energy security. This decision comes amid Alaska’s geographical importance and its involvement in geopolitical discussions, particularly revolving around energy and the Arctic region. The approach taken has been controversial, as it seeks to balance energy exploration with maintaining ecological integrity in sensitive areas. The revealed schedule aims to provide clarity for investors and stakeholders, supporting what is viewed as a vital sector of the economy, while also provoking concerns regarding environmental impacts and the legislative process that produced the sale schedule.