Trump offshore plan would allow up to 34 lease sales through 2031 across 1.27B acres
The Trump administration released a draft plan to offer up to 34 offshore lease sales across roughly 1.27 billion acres in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific between 2026 and 2031, effectively replacing the Biden-era offshore program. Draft timing would begin Alaska auctions in 2026 — including more than 20 sales and a newly designated "High Arctic" area more than 200 miles offshore — California sales starting in 2027 (six auctions proposed through 2030), eastern Gulf bidding in 2029 and expanded western/central Gulf offerings, with Florida leases at least 100 miles offshore adjacent to the central Gulf; Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the move as protecting jobs and U.S. energy dominance while governors, environmental groups and some lawmakers vowed legal and political fights even as industry groups praised the proposal.
Trump Administration
Offshore Drilling
U.S. Energy Policy
Energy Policy
📌 Key Facts
- The Interior’s draft five‑year offshore leasing plan would offer up to 34 lease sales across roughly 1.27 billion acres off Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific coast.
- The plan covers the period 2026–2031 (Interior frames it as meeting “growing energy needs”) and would effectively replace the prior Biden program that had three sales scheduled between 2024 and 2029.
- Timing and regional schedule in the draft: Alaska sales would begin in 2026 (including a newly designated “High Arctic” area more than 200 miles offshore and more than 20 Alaska lease sales overall), six California offshore lease sales are proposed between 2027 and 2030, and eastern Gulf bidding is slated for 2029 alongside expanded western and central Gulf offerings.
- Specifics for sensitive areas: no new federal leasing has occurred off California since the mid‑1980s; the plan would open federal waters there for the first time in decades, and it would propose eastern Gulf sales despite no drilling being allowed there since 1995 over spill concerns.
- Florida/Gulf details: Florida leasing in the plan would occur at least 100 miles offshore and adjacent to the Central Gulf area with existing platforms, with some state leaders pushing to preserve Florida’s offshore drilling moratorium.
- Government and industry reaction: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum characterized the plan as supporting a “strong” offshore industry, jobs and U.S. energy dominance; the American Petroleum Institute called it a “historic step” and industry groups had earlier urged inclusion of all offshore areas with job and revenue potential.
- Political and legal opposition: California officials — Gov. Gavin Newsom (who called the plan “dead on arrival”), Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the state’s senators — pledged to fight the proposal; environmental groups such as NRDC voiced criticism; Axios flags likely litigation and possible changes before finalization.
- Intra‑party split and politics: Republicans are not unified — Florida Sen. Rick Scott touted legislation to protect the state’s moratorium while aides said Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the Interior proposal — underscoring political friction ahead of 2028.
📰 Sources (5)
Trump offshore plan tests oil execs' risk tolerance — and 2028 fault lines
New information:
- Draft schedule specifics: Alaska lease sales begin in 2026, California auctions in 2027, and eastern Gulf bidding in 2029, in addition to expanded western and central Gulf offerings.
- California opposition detailed: Gov. Gavin Newsom, AG Rob Bonta, and the state's senators publicly pledged to fight the plan.
- Intra‑GOP split noted: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Interior’s proposal via aides.
- Axios flags likely litigation and possible plan changes once finalized.
Trump reveals new offshore drilling plan. Here's what to know
New information:
- Plan would offer up to 34 offshore lease sales across roughly 1.27 billion acres off Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific coast.
- Timeframe specified as 2026–2031, with Interior framing it as meeting "growing energy needs."
- Article positions the plan as effectively overturning Biden’s offshore program that had three sales scheduled between 2024 and 2029.
- New on-the-record reaction quotes from NRDC’s Taryn Kiekow Heimer and an updated statement from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Trump administration proposes new oil drilling off the coasts of California and Florida
New information:
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an on‑record statement framing the plan as ensuring a 'strong' offshore industry, keeping workers employed and maintaining U.S. 'energy dominance.'
- API characterized the plan as a 'historic step' toward unleashing offshore resources.
- Plan timing detail: six California offshore lease sales are proposed between 2027 and 2030 (more specific bracket than prior 'as soon as 2027').
- Political reaction: California Gov. Gavin Newsom labeled the proposal 'dead on arrival' on social media.
- Contextual specifics: no new federal leasing off California since the mid‑1980s and no drilling allowed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico since 1995 due to spill concerns.
Trump admin. announces plan for new oil drilling off California, Florida coasts
New information:
- Plan specifies six offshore lease sales off California for the first time in decades.
- Florida leasing would occur at least 100 miles offshore, adjacent to the Central Gulf area with existing platforms.
- Five-year plan includes more than 20 Alaska lease sales, with a newly designated 'High Arctic' area more than 200 miles offshore.
- Indicative timing: lease sales off California as soon as 2027 and off Alaska as soon as next year, per plans viewed by CBS.
- Opposition and politics: California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the plan 'dead on arrival'; Florida Sen. Rick Scott highlighted a bill to maintain the state’s offshore drilling moratorium.
- Industry position: a June letter from the American Petroleum Institute and others urged including all offshore areas with job and revenue potential.