Trump admin announces plan for 30 offshore oil lease sales

The Interior Department on Tuesday announced a plan to hold 30 auctions for oil drilling rights in U.S. oceans over the next 15 years.

The schedule, mandated by Republicans’ recently passed tax and spending megalaw, dramatically expands the access oil and gas companies will have to explore U.S. oceans for fossil energy. It will replace a five-year strategy developed during the Biden administration that sought to shrink fossil fuel development from public lands and waters by holding just three offshore oil lease sales over the next five years.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a statement. “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...