How much area is being offered in the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale, and what is its official designation under the Trump administration?

The U.S. government is offering more than 81 million acres (32.8 million hectares) in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas drilling; this body of water has been officially renamed the 'Gulf of America' under a Trump executive order.

What are the key logistical details of the lease sale — including number of blocks, offshore distance range, and water depth range?

The Interior Department is offering 15,100 unleased blocks located between 3 and 231 miles (4.8 to 372 km) offshore on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, with water depths ranging from 9 feet to more than 11,100 feet (2.7 to 3,380 meters).

US Offers 81 Million Acres in Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale

Aug 12, 2026

The Trump administration will auction 81 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico to boost domestic energy production, marking the third sale mandated by the 2025 tax law amidst global crude flow disruptions.

reuters

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