WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has introduced the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025, a bill requiring the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to hold two offshore oil and gas lease sales annually for the next 10 years. The bipartisan effort is co-sponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
“2024 marked the first time in over 50 years that no lease sales were held in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Cassidy. “This legislation ends that harmful trend, protects thousands of jobs, lowers energy costs, and reduces reliance on foreign adversaries.”
Addressing Offshore Energy Challenges
The Offshore Energy Security Act aims to counteract what Cassidy describes as a decline in offshore energy development under the Biden administration. The current five-year offshore leasing plan only includes three lease sales—a sharp reduction from prior policies.
The proposed legislation will:
- Mandate two offshore lease sales annually for the next decade.
- Ensure long-term certainty for energy producers, fostering domestic investment.
- Codify former President Trump’s 2020 memorandum, which withdraws the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from leasing for the duration of the bill.
“This bill reaffirms America’s commitment to energy independence,” said Senator Britt. “The Gulf Coast plays a vital role in supporting both our nation’s energy needs and military readiness.”
“Offshore energy production is essential to our economic and national security,” added Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation ensures we are responsibly managing resources to better the lives of Americans.”
Broad Support from Industry Leaders
The legislation has garnered endorsements from leading industry organizations, including the American Petroleum Institute (API), National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), Gulf Energy Alliance (GEA), and Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA).
- API Vice President Holly Hopkins: “Energy development in federal waters is critical to meeting current and future demand, supporting American jobs, and boosting local economies. We applaud Senator Cassidy for his leadership.”
- NOIA President Erik Milito: “This bill codifies a much-needed leasing program, ensuring U.S. offshore oil and gas development resumes in a sustainable and competitive manner.”
- LMOGA President Tommy Faucheux: “The Offshore Energy Security Act is a vital step for stability, job creation, and economic prosperity in the Gulf region.”
- GEA Executive Director Kevin Bruce: “This legislation drives investments and ensures the production of the world’s cleanest oil, bolstering America’s energy independence.”
- CEA Vice President Kaitlin Hammons: “Mandating offshore lease sales is a commonsense move to strengthen energy security and affordability for families and businesses.”
Why It Matters
The bill addresses not only economic and energy security concerns but also environmental risks associated with underutilized offshore infrastructure. A report from the General Services Administration (GSA) noted that stagnant offshore operations could lead to health hazards, including legionella contamination in unused facilities.
Looking Ahead
As global energy markets remain volatile, the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025 positions the United States to enhance energy production, create jobs, and stabilize prices. Cassidy’s push for robust offshore leasing reflects a long-term strategy to cement America’s status as a global energy leader.
For more information about the legislation and its impact, visit cassidy.senate.gov.