The Trump administration announced a batch of U.S. oil and gas rental sales, which will cover about 80 million acres, a larger area than the UK. [emphasis, links added]
The Behemoth Leasing Sale will be the first offshore lease since Donald Trump took office and is scheduled to take place in December 2025 and will provide 15,000 federal waters throughout the bay.
According to the Department of the Interior (DOI), companies that have won bids will lower royalties, which may lead to greater industry interest and involvement in sales.
This is the latest move by the Trump administration to pursue its positive energy advantages and the “drill, baby, exercise” agenda.
The announcement also represents the Biden administration’s drilling method, involving shutting down oil production, eliminating offshore rental sales and hiking royalties for producers.
A few days after Trump ordered his administration to rapidly step up oil drilling. “To the Ministry of Energy: Drill, baby, drilling!!! I mean!!!” He wrote in a post on Monday.
– Quick Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 23, 2025
Trump issued the directive after ordering the explosion of three nuclear sites in Iran, one of the world's largest oil producers. The destruction of Iran's oil flows will put upward pressure on energy prices everywhere.
After the successful U.S. bombing, Iran threatens to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway that transports 20% of the global supply every day.
Continuing leasing and drilling in the Gulf of the United States may help keep the U.S. economy in harmony with foreign oil.
According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Administration (BOEM), the Gulf already produces about 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for 13% of the country's total production, but is estimated to contain about 48 billion barrels of recoverable oil.
The United States still imports about 7.5 million barrels of oil and oil per day, although it remains a net exporter.
“Energy independence is the cornerstone of U.S. economic strength, national security and global stability, promoting U.S. energy advantages and reducing dependence on unstable foreign producers,” Boem said in a statement.
“By continuing to expand offshore capacity, the United States ensures that it provides affordable energy to consumers, strengthens domestic industries and enhances its role as an energy superpower.”
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