Trump administration expands offshore drilling in major push for U.S. energy independence

08/22/2025 / By Belle Carter

The Department of the Interior announced a plan to expand offshore oil and gas production, reversing the Biden administration’s restrictions and aligning with Trump’s goal of American energy independence.
The proposal includes 10 offshore lease sales by 2028, with four in the next year, targeting the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska’s Cook Inlet. The first sale, “Big Beautiful Gulf 1,” is scheduled for Dec. 10.
The move is a sharp departure from Biden’s policies, which had paused new offshore leasing and canceled Gulf of Mexico sales. Federal law mandates a five-year leasing plan and the Biden administration had not finalized a replacement, allowing Trump’s expansion to proceed.
The plan aims to increase domestic production, reduce foreign oil dependence and stimulate economic growth. It could also lower gasoline prices, create jobs and enhance energy security by bolstering domestic reserves like Alaska’s Willow Field.
While proponents argue for “responsible development” and advancements in safety technology, critics warn of environmental risks, including potential oil spills and ecological damage. The plan reflects Trump’s broader strategy of American energy dominance, impacting U.S. energy policy for years.

The Department of the Interior on Tuesday, Aug.19, announced a sweeping offshore leasing plan that would dramatically expand oil and gas production, reversing Biden-era restrictions and advancing President Donald Trump’s long-standing pledge to achieve American energy independence.

The proposal, issued under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), schedules 10 offshore lease sales by 2028, including four within the next year. The targeted areas include the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet, regions deemed critical for bolstering domestic energy supplies. Brighteon.AI‘s Enoch states that the first lease sale, titled “Big Beautiful Gulf 1,” is scheduled for Dec. 10. “The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will publish the final notice at least 30 days before the auction,” it added.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the move as a cornerstone of Trump’s energy policy. “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential,” Burgum said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re putting in place a bold, long-term program that strengthens American Energy Dominance, creates good-paying jobs and ensures we continue to responsibly develop our offshore resources.”

The announcement marks a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s policies, which included a last-minute drilling ban on millions of acres and a record-low offshore leasing schedule. The Trump administration’s plan instead seeks to increase domestic production, reduce reliance on foreign oil and stimulate economic growth through expanded energy development.

A reversal of Biden’s energy policies

The Biden administration had paused new offshore leasing in early 2021, citing environmental concerns and later cancelled three planned Gulf of Mexico lease sales, a decision that drew criticism from industry groups and Republican lawmakers. (Related: Trump energy department warns blackouts could surge 800 hours annually in Biden green agenda failure.)

Former Vice President Mike Pence was among the most vocal opponents, declaring on social media: “This has got to stop. Unleash American Energy, Joe!”

Federal law requires the Interior Department to operate under a five-year leasing plan, with the current one set to expire at the end of June. The Biden administration had yet to finalize a replacement, leaving the door open for Trump’s expansion.

Under the new proposal, the total acreage available for leasing will increase from 11.7 million to 18.5 million acres, including areas near Alaska’s Willow Field, a major oil reserve estimated to hold 600 million barrels. The move aligns with Trump’s Day One executive order declaring a “national energy emergency” and directing federal agencies to “unleash American energy.”

The Gulf of America alone accounted for 14.5 percent of U.S. oil production in 2022, according to Interior Department data. Expanding leasing in this region, along with Alaska’s Cook Inlet, could further reduce dependence on foreign oil while strengthening domestic energy security.

Proponents argue that increased drilling will lower gasoline prices, create high-paying jobs and reduce vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations. Critics, however, warn of environmental risks, including potential oil spills and long-term ecological damage.

The Trump administration has countered these concerns by emphasizing “responsible development” and pointing to advancements in offshore drilling safety technology since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

A broader energy strategy

Beyond offshore leasing, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act also resumes quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales under the Mineral Leasing Act, covering multiple Midwestern states. This multi-pronged approach reflects Trump’s long-term vision of American energy dominance, a policy he first championed during his 2017-2021 presidency.

With global energy markets remaining volatile, the administration’s push for expanded domestic production could reshape U.S. energy policy for years to come, reducing reliance on OPEC, countering inflationary pressures and reinforcing America’s role as a leading energy exporter.

Watch the video below, which discusses Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

This video is from Rick Langley’s channel on Brighteon.com.