API-led coalition urges expanded offshore leasing in DOI’s draft program

(WO) - More than 80 national, state and local energy, business and manufacturing organizations have submitted comments supporting the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) 11th National Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program, calling for expanded and predictable access to federal offshore acreage. 

The coalition, led by the American Petroleum Institute (API), urged the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to retain all areas currently included in the draft proposal and cautioned against removing regions from future leasing consideration. Industry groups said a comprehensive offshore leasing program is critical to maintaining U.S. energy security, supporting employment and enabling long-term investment.

In its joint submission, the coalition highlighted the role of offshore oil and gas production in supplying domestic energy needs, noting that federal offshore production accounts for roughly 14% of U.S. crude oil output and about 2% of U.S. natural gas production. The groups emphasized that many offshore regions benefit from existing infrastructure, established workforces and comparatively lower lifecycle carbon intensity.

Separate comments submitted by API and nine offshore-focused trade associations echoed support for the draft program and called for expanded access to additional regions, including the South-Central Gulf of America, the Atlantic, the Pacific and Alaska. The associations argued that broader access would help sustain production levels and improve project economics by leveraging existing facilities and supply chains.

The South-Central Gulf of America was identified as a near-term opportunity for additional leasing due to its proximity to infrastructure, response capacity and well-understood geology, which industry groups said could accelerate development timelines.

Organizations joining API in the comments include the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), U.S. Oil and Gas Association (USOGA), American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), EnerGeo Alliance, Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC), and the Offshore Operators Committee (OOC).

BOEM is currently reviewing public input on the draft proposed program as it develops the next federal offshore leasing schedule.