The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has moved forward with Big Beautiful Gulf 2 (BBG2), the second offshore oil and gas lease sale under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which covers thirty Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico) lease sales.
BBG2 proposes roughly 15,066 unleased blocks—about 80.4 million acres—on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America. The blocks range from 3 to 231 miles offshore (about 4.8 to 371.8 km) and span water depths from 9 feet to more than 11,100 feet (about 2.7 m to more than 3,383.3 m).
BOEM issued the final notice of sale after the proposed notice was published in the Federal Register on 20 November 2025. Bidders will be invited to attend the live bid reading on 11 March 2026, starting at 9 a.m. Central Time.
BOEM said specific areas will be excluded, including blocks subject to the 8 September 2020 presidential withdrawal; blocks adjacent to or beyond the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Eastern Gap; blocks within the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; and any block that received a bid in Lease Sale BBG1.
Acting Director Matt Giacona said BBG2 is intended to advance BOEM’s offshore oil and gas program in the Gulf of America and to support continued investment in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf following industry response to BBG1, while aligning with energy independence goals.
BOEM also said the sale directly supports 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 U.S. global competitiveness.
BOEM added that Outer Continental Shelf leasing generates billions in revenue through lease sales, rental fees, and royalties, with funds distributed to the U.S. Treasury and to states through revenue-sharing programs that support coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and other public services and conservation efforts.
