Overview
- Internal documents reported by multiple outlets describe six lease sales off California from 2027 to 2030 and added leasing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, rebranded the Gulf of America, with Interior declining comment.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom labeled the proposal “dead on arrival” and signaled legal challenges once any plan is finalized.
- Energy analysts say major oil companies may show little interest in California tracts due to deepwater costs, limited infrastructure, and state permitting hurdles, with the Gulf expected to draw more bidders.
- The reported plan reflects a reversal of Biden-era offshore withdrawals and aligns with a broader push to expand leasing, including Alaska, yet any sales would proceed through a multi‑year BOEM process and likely litigation.
- Environmental groups pledged to oppose new leasing, citing spill risks and California’s history since the 1969 Santa Barbara disaster, with no new federal leases issued off the state since the mid-1980s.