Overview
- The Interior Department unveiled maps proposing lease sales in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the full California coast, and new Arctic areas.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the proposal “reckless” and said it is “dead in the water,” warning of risks to coastal economies and communities.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the plan as a “forward-thinking” effort to keep U.S. energy “dominant” and support offshore workers and industry.
- Florida Republicans Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis objected to any encroachment near the state, questioning whether a proposed 100-mile buffer is sufficient.
- Sen. Rick Scott urged that Florida’s waters remain off limits and promoted the American Shores Protection Act, as environmental groups labeled the expansion dangerous.