U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to begin developing the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The process begins with public engagement and consultations with key stakeholders.
“The launch of the 11th OCS leasing program marks a decisive step toward securing American energy dominance,” said Secretary Burgum. “Through a transparent and inclusive public process, we reaffirm our commitment to the responsible development of offshore energy — driving job creation, economic growth, and energy independence.“
BOEM has announced the creation of a new planning area in the Alaskan shelf — the High Arctic — which becomes the 27th official OCS planning area. In addition, the boundaries of several existing planning areas are being updated to align with BOEM’s revised jurisdiction.
Once finalized, the 11th leasing program will replace the current 10th program (2024–2029), which includes three scheduled lease sales — all in the Gulf of Mexico. As of April 1, 2025, BOEM manages 2,227 active oil and gas leases, covering approximately 12.1 million acres of the OCS. Of those, 469 are currently producing oil and gas.
The OCS contains vast untapped energy resources. According to BOEM’s latest assessment, the shelf holds an estimated average of 68.79 billion barrels of oil and 229.03 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Eric Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association, welcomed the announcement:
“We commend Secretary Burgum and the administration for taking decisive action to initiate the 11th National Offshore Leasing Program — a critical step in restoring long-term certainty and stability to the U.S. offshore energy sector.
The Gulf of Mexico and the broader U.S. shelf are vital to powering the nation — contributing around $33 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting roughly 400,000 jobs, and reinforcing our energy security.”
