The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced the critical role of offshore leasing, resource assessment and long-term planning in supporting record oil production on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, which reached more than 714 million barrels in 2025.
'America’s offshore energy strength is built years in advance through deliberate planning, leasing, and resource evaluation,' said Acting BOEM Director Matt Giacona. 'BOEM’s work lays the foundation for responsible development of the Outer Continental Shelf by combining science-based analysis, rigorous environmental review, and a transparent leasing process to support energy security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.'
BOEM manages access to offshore energy resources through lease sales, resource evaluations and environmental analyses that guide development across the Outer Continental Shelf. Recent production increases, particularly in the Gulf of America, reflect years of planning, investment and coordination among federal agencies, industry partners and stakeholders.
Under the Trump Administration’s energy agenda, BOEM has worked to provide greater regulatory certainty and efficiency in the leasing process, helping facilitate investment in offshore projects while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. The Bureau conducts extensive environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and works closely with other federal and state partners to minimize impacts to marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities.
Offshore energy development continues to generate significant economic benefits, including revenues from lease sales, rents and royalties that support the U.S. Treasury and conservation programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
BOEM also supports informed decision-making through the collection and analysis of geological and geophysical data, ensuring that offshore development is guided by the best available science. These efforts help balance responsible energy production with the protection of ocean resources and multiple uses of the Outer Continental Shelf.
As offshore production reaches record levels, BOEM remains committed to managing the nation’s offshore energy resources in a manner that promotes energy reliability, supports economic opportunity and upholds environmental stewardship for current and future generations.
Source: BOEM
