April 21, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to begin a new chapter in America’s energy strategy. By launching the public process for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program, the Department of the Interior is advancing one of the most important initiatives for U.S. energy independence in recent history.
At Fueling Freedom, we believe this is a critical and overdue step toward reclaiming American energy leadership. Offshore oil and gas resources are essential to ensuring that the United States remains secure, economically strong, and globally competitive.
Unlocking America’s Offshore Potential
The Outer Continental Shelf is one of the nation’s most valuable energy assets. As of April 1, 2025, BOEM manages 2,227 active oil and gas leases covering approximately 12.1 million offshore acres. Of those, 469 are already producing. These leases accounted for approximately 14 percent of total U.S. oil production and 2 percent of natural gas output in fiscal year 2024. That production generated $7 billion in revenue for the U.S. Treasury and state governments—supporting everything from infrastructure to public schools.
But the potential is even greater. BOEM estimates that the OCS holds nearly 69 billion barrels of oil and over 229 trillion cubic feet of natural gas that remain untapped. The United States has the opportunity, and now the mandate, to harness that potential.
A Transparent Path Forward
This announcement initiates a 45-day public comment period through a formal Request for Information (RFI) to be published in the Federal Register. This is the first step in a multi-year process to develop the 11th National OCS Leasing Program, which will ultimately replace the current, limited 10th Program (2024–2029). That plan includes just three lease sales that are all located in the Gulf of America.
The Department’s new approach is far more ambitious. It includes the creation of the High Arctic as the 27th OCS planning area and updates other offshore regions to reflect new jurisdictional boundaries. This is a chance to expand beyond the Gulf, tap new regions like offshore Alaska, and invite public input on how offshore development can serve the national interest.
Secretary Burgum put it best when he said,
“Launching the process to develop the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program marks a decisive step toward securing American Energy Dominance. 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.”
Fueling Freedom’s View: What Should Happen Next
We support this announcement as a strong reaffirmation of Executive Order 14154: Unleashing American Energy, which made it clear that the United States should fully explore and develop its federal lands and waters. To fulfill that vision, Fueling Freedom calls for the following actions:
1. A Robust Lease Schedule Across All Regions
Three lease sales over five years are not enough. The 11th program must include multiple lease rounds in every viable OCS planning area—from the Gulf of Mexico to the High Arctic.
2. Clear and Efficient Permitting Timelines
BOEM and other agencies must streamline permitting processes, reduce delays, and remove unnecessary red tape that prevents exploration and development.
3. Infrastructure Investment to Support New Production
Offshore production requires onshore infrastructure—ports, pipelines, and processing capacity. The federal government should support infrastructure expansion and modernization.
4. Stakeholder Input with a National Security Lens
This RFI process must engage local communities and industry, but also consider the national implications. American energy production is about more than economics—it is about strength and sovereignty.
5. A Commitment to Long-Term American Energy Leadership
This process should not be just another regulatory cycle. It should be a strategic reset that prioritizes abundant, affordable American energy for the next generation.
The Future is Offshore—and American
America’s offshore energy resources represent one of the greatest untapped opportunities in the world. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Burgum, the Department of the Interior is taking meaningful steps to reverse years of federal inaction and restore a bold vision for U.S. energy.
At Fueling Freedom, we believe in an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Offshore development is a cornerstone of that vision. We applaud the launch of the 11th National OCS Program and encourage every energy producer, local leader, and concerned citizen to participate in the public comment process.
This initiative is about securing the future. It is about powering our economy, defending our values, and ensuring American energy never takes a back seat to foreign influence.