Gulf of America Anchors America’s Energy Future in DOI Draft Proposed Program
For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 20, 2025
NOIA Contact: jwilliams@nullnoia.org
Gulf of America Anchors America’s Energy Future in DOI Draft Proposed Program
Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior issued the Draft Proposed Program for the next five year federal offshore oil and gas leasing program and issued Secretarial Order 3445 - Unleashing American Offshore Energy:
"The Gulf of America remains the gold standard for offshore energy: driving prolific production, supporting good-paying jobs, bolstering local and national supply chains, funding conservation programs nationwide, and anchoring U.S. energy security.
"While the Central and Western Gulf, now designated as GOA Program Area A, remain core areas for investment and energy production, a forward-looking approach that evaluates new areas ensures the U.S. remains competitive and secure in meeting future energy needs. Energy demand is on the rise and America’s offshore basins are a shining opportunity for U.S. competitiveness and leadership.
“Moreover, energy security is national security. The Gulf is an energy powerhouse, producing nearly 2 million barrels of oil per day with production recognized as among the lowest carbon intensity in the world. A clear leasing schedule gives companies the certainty to invest, strengthens supply chains, bolsters communities, and keeps the U.S. competitive in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape
“We commend Secretary Burgum and the Department of the Interior for taking this important step to fix a leasing program that was wholly insufficient. We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure the Gulf continues to lead America’s energy future.”
About the Draft Proposed Program
Under the new proposal for the 2026–2031 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, Interior includes as many as 34 potential offshore lease sales across 21 of 27 existing Outer Continental Shelf planning areas, covering approximately 1.27 billion acres. That includes 21 areas off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Gulf of America, and six along the Pacific coast. The proposal also includes the Secretary’s decision to create a new administrative planning area, the South-Central Gulf of America. See Figures 2-5 in the Draft Proposed Program for the maps of lease sales in specific planning areas.
About NOIA
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.
To learn more about the Gulf of America's role in anchoring U.S. energy leadership, visit GulfofAmericaForward.com
