US BOEM takes first steps on new OCS leasing program
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will begin a public engagement process to develop a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Notably, BOEM’s jurisdiction on the OCS has recently changed. A new planning area offshore Alaska — the High Arctic — is being established as the 27th OCS planning area. Additionally, boundaries of other existing planning areas are being updated to align with BOEM’s revised jurisdiction.
Once finalized, the 11th National OCS Program will replace the current 10th Program (2024–2029), which includes just three lease sales over five years, all located in the US Gulf of Mexico. While BOEM continues work to complete those sales, development of the 11th Program will proceed concurrently.
The RFI does not propose a specific timeline for future lease sales or make any early determinations regarding which areas may be included. Instead, it invites stakeholders to provide insight and recommendations for leasing opportunities, raise concerns and identify other existing uses that may be affected by offshore leasing.
