WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior has announced a substantial increase in estimated oil and gas reserves located in the Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf, reinforcing the region’s critical role in U.S. energy production and national security.
According to updated figures from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Gulf holds 7.04 billion barrels of oil equivalent, an increase of 1.30 billion barrels since 2021. The total includes 5.77 billion barrels of oil and 7.15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, marking a 22.6% rise in remaining recoverable reserves.
“This new data confirms what we’ve known all along—America is sitting on a treasure trove of energy, and under President Trump’s leadership, we’re unlocking it,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The Gulf of America is a powerhouse, and by streamlining permitting and expanding access, we’re not just powering our economy—we’re strengthening our national security and putting thousands of Americans back to work.”
The updated assessment evaluated 140 oil and gas fields, identifying 18 new discoveries and analyzing over 37,000 reservoirs. Despite production of 3.09 billion barrels of oil equivalent since the last update, the region’s opportunities in offshore development remain robust.
Dr. James Kendall, BOEM Gulf of America Regional Director, emphasized the Gulf’s significance to the energy sector. “The Gulf of America is delivering 14% of the nation’s oil. These updated estimates reaffirm the Gulf’s vital role in ensuring a reliable, affordable domestic energy supply,” he stated.
The Gulf spans approximately 160 million acres of the nearly 3.2 billion managed by BOEM on the Outer Continental Shelf, making it central to U.S. offshore energy production. This update comes as the administration advances efforts to expand leasing. On April 4, Secretary Burgum directed BOEM to move forward with a new oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf.
Energy dominance underpins the administration’s strategy to enhance U.S. economic strength and reduce reliance on foreign oil. By unlocking potential in regions like the Gulf of America, the Interior Department aims to create high-paying jobs, strengthen coastal economies, and secure affordable energy for Americans.
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