The U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is estimated to contain some of the greatest quantities of undiscovered oil and natural gas resources in the world. The Department of the Interior (DOI) estimates undiscovered, technically recoverable OCS resources to be 65.80 billion barrels of oil and 218.43 trillion cubic feet of gas. Developing these resources will be vital to advancing the U.S. energy renaissance, growing the economy, and reducing government deficits.
In 2026, Pursuant to the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, the Department of Interior (DOI) launched the 11th National Offshore Leasing Program (2026–2031). The DOI has proposed 34 potential lease sales across 1.27 billion offshore acres under this newly expanded initiative. The sweeping draft plan schedules 21 sales off Alaska, seven in the Gulf of America, and six along the Pacific coast.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that the worldwide demand for all forms of energy will increase by 50% by 2050. The only way to meet this increase in demand without sacrificing the environmental progress made over the past 25 years is through a wholehearted commitment to developing energy resources in the United States.
The Gulf of America offshore oil and natural gas industry supports an estimated 362,000 jobs in the United States and contributed approximately $30.8 billion to the U.S. GDP. Over this period, U.S. government revenues from offshore production are expected to exceed $7.4 billion per year, reinforcing the industry’s role as a critical economic driver.
Looking ahead, annual offshore oil and gas investment is expected to remain significant, averaging nearly $30 billion per year between 2025 and 2040. Additional leasing opportunities could further boost investment and spending by $4.8 billion annually, supporting an additional 55,700 jobs and adding $4.6 billion to U.S. GDP each year. This increased activity could also generate an additional $1.7 billion in annual government revenue by 2040, further strengthening federal finances and the programs that rely on them.
ENERGY WORKFORCE’S POSITION
- Access to and responsible development of U.S. offshore energy resources is vital to a robust, forward-looking energy policy that will help secure the nation’s energy supply and economic prosperity.
OCS Leasing Will Provide Continued Energy Security
Offshore projects require years of planning and billions in investment. Policy certainty is essential to their success.
Energy Workforce supports a robust, predictable offshore leasing program that provides regular lease sales, expands access to critical Outer Continental Shelf resources and gives companies the certainty needed to make long-term investments in America’s offshore energy future.
