Proposed and Final Notices of Sale Outline Path for Expanded Offshore Leasing in Alaska and Gulf of America
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced two major steps toward expanding offshore energy development pursuant to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
BOEM released the Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 1 (BBG1), the first of 30 Gulf of America lease sales required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law No: 119-21), and the Proposed Notice of Sale for Big Beautiful Cook Inlet 1 (BBC1), the first of six lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
'President Trump’s signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act marked the beginning of a new chapter for oil and gas development in the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet,' said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. 'BOEM is now moving forward with a predictable, congressionally mandated leasing schedule that will support offshore oil and gas development for decades to come.'
Big Beautiful Gulf 1 (BBG1) – Gulf of America
Lease Sale 'Big Beautiful Gulf 1' will make roughly 80 million acres available for leasing across the Gulf of America, advancing President Trump’s commitment to increase domestic energy production and strengthen U.S. energy security. This sale is the first of 30 Gulf of America lease sales mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law No: 119-21).
The Gulf of America OCS spans roughly 160 million acres, with an estimated 29.59 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and 54.84 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Leases offered through BBG1 will support exploration and development of the Gulf of America OCS to unleash American energy dominance pursuant to Executive Order 14154 'Unleashing American Energy.' Certain areas are excluded, including blocks withdrawn on September 8, 2020, blocks beyond the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Eastern Gap, and areas within the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
To encourage strong industry participation, BOEM has set a 12.5% royalty rate - the lowest rate permitted by statute - for both shallow and deepwater leases.
The Final Notice of Sale will be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 10, 2025, initiating a 30-day waiting period. BOEM will hold a public bid reading on Dec. 10, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. Central Time. The venue will be closed to the general public, but registered bidders may attend in person per BOEM instructions. The bid opening will also be live-streamed at: www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG1.
Big Beautiful Cook Inlet 1 (BBC1) – Alaska
The Proposed Notice of Sale for BBC1 proposes to make approximately one million acres available for leasing in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. This is the first of at least six Cook Inlet lease sales required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, scheduled annually from 2026 to 2028, and from 2030 to 2032.
To encourage strong industry participation, BOEM has set a 12.5% royalty rate—the lowest rate allowed by statute—for both shallow and deepwater leases.
The Proposed Notice will publish in the Federal Register on Nov. 10, 2025, initiating a 60-day comment period for affected state governors and local governments. A Final Notice of Sale will follow, at least 30 days before the scheduled lease sale on March 4, 2026.
More details and maps of the proposed lease area are available at: www.boem.gov/CookInlet2026.
Economic & Strategic Benefits
Offshore oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf generates billions in revenue through lease sales, rental fees, and royalties. These funds are distributed to the U.S. Treasury and to states via revenue-sharing programs that support coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and other public services and conservation efforts.
The General Fund of the U.S. Treasury receives the largest portion of offshore revenues, helping to finance the daily operations of the federal government. In addition, these key revenues generated by OCS development create high-quality jobs, funds infrastructure and education, and contributes to local economies.
American Energy Dominance is a cornerstone of U.S. economic strength, national security, and global stability. President Trump’s dedication to expanding domestic offshore energy capabilities ensures affordable energy for U.S. consumers, further strengthens the United States’s position in the global energy market, and reduces our reliance on foreign sources.
Source: BOEM
