Trump administration drafts plan to expand offshore oil drilling nationwide

The Trump administration has developed a comprehensive plan to open the majority of United States coastal waters to offshore oil drilling, according to a Bloomberg report published Thursday. The draft proposal from the Interior Department would significantly expand leasing opportunities in Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan, and Gulf of Mexico waters that were previously restricted.

Broad Geographic Scope

The draft plan prepared by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management identifies potential drilling sites spanning the East Coast, West Coast, Alaska's coastal regions, and the Gulf of Mexico. Notably, the proposal includes Southeast US waters that President Trump had pledged to protect during his reelection campaign, citing concerns about potential spills affecting coastal tourism and beach environments.

National Energy Security Rationale

While an Interior Department spokesperson declined to comment specifically on the draft plan, the agency referenced "a national energy emergency" and stated that "all options to combat that crisis and win the AI race against China are on the table." The proposal represents an initial step toward establishing a new five-year Outer Continental Shelf leasing program for 2026-2031, which would replace the current Biden-era schedule of only three planned auctions through 2029.

Environmental Considerations and Industry Interest

The expanded drilling access would exclude certain protected marine monuments, including the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off Massachusetts and Hawaii's Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Interior Department documents indicate substantial industry interest in Atlantic and Pacific drilling opportunities, with energy companies broadly supporting expanded access beyond traditional Gulf of Mexico operations.