The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has unveiled a final notice for the third offshore lease sale out of thirty Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico) oil and gas lease sales under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
BOEM has announced the final notice of sale for Big Beautiful Gulf 3 (BBG3)the third of 30 Gulf of America lease sales required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This final notice of sale is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on July 8, initiating a 30-day waiting period before the lease sale.
The bureau will livestream the public bid reading on August 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. Central Time. The bid reading venue will be closed to the public, but registered bidders may attend in person. The final notice of sale outlines a path for expanded offshore leasing in the Gulf of America.
Lease sale BBG3 plans to offer approximately 15,100 unleased blocks, covering roughly 80.4 million acres on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America. The blocks are located between 3 and 231 miles offshore and include water depths ranging from 9 to more than 11,100 feet.
Matt GiaconaBOEM’s Acting Director, commented: “BBG3 demonstrates our continued commitment to executing a predictable offshore leasing schedule for the Gulf of America.
“This third Congressionally directed sale builds on the momentum of the first two sales and supports responsible development of America’s offshore energy resources, continued investment in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, and American energy independence.”
This lease sale is said to directly support Executive Order 14154, ‘Unleashing American Energy,’ which directs federal agencies to accelerate offshore oil and gas development to lower energy costs, reinforce national energy security, and enhance America’s global competitiveness, delivering on President Donald J. Trump’s promise to expand U.S. energy production and strengthen energy dominance.
The Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf spans approximately 160 million acres and is estimated to contain 26.90 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and 45.59 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
BOEM has confirmed that certain areas will be excluded from the sale, including blocks subject to the September 8, 2020, presidential withdrawal; blocks adjacent to or beyond the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Eastern Gap; blocks within the boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; and any block currently under appeal.
“Offshore oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf generates billions in revenue through lease sales, rental fees, and royalties. These funds are distributed to the U.S. Treasury and to states via revenue-sharing programs that support coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and other public services and conservation efforts,” underlined the bureau.
“The General Fund of the U.S. Treasury receives the largest portion of offshore revenues, helping to finance the daily operations of the federal government. In addition, these key revenues generated by Outer Continental Shelf development create high-quality jobs, funds infrastructure and education, and contributes to local economies.”
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management highlights that American energy dominance is a cornerstone of U.S. economic strength, national security, and global stability.
“President Trump’s dedication to expanding domestic offshore energy capabilities ensures affordable energy for U.S. consumers, further strengthens the United States’ position in the global energy market, and reduces America’s reliance on foreign sources,” underscored BOEM.
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