Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Bill Cassidy have introduced the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025, a bill aimed at boosting American energy production by requiring the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct two offshore oil and gas lease sales annually for the next decade.

Senator Britt emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It is past time to unleash American energy dominance. Alabama’s Gulf Coast plays an essential role in fueling our nation and supporting our national security—I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to reverse leftwing policies and reckless federal overreach in order to drive down costs for hardworking Alabama families.”

The proposed legislation comes as a response to the current five-year plan under the Biden-Harris Administration, which only suggests three lease sales over five years. This plan marks 2024 as a significant year since it was the first time in more than half a century without an offshore lease sale.

The Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025 aims to provide long-term leasing certainty for companies investing in U.S. offshore energy production. The bill also seeks to codify President Trump's 2020 memorandum withdrawing the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from leasing during its duration.

Dr. Cassidy criticized recent policy changes, stating, “The Biden administration shut down offshore energy development. 2024 was the first time in over 50 years there was not a single lease sale held in the Gulf,” adding that this has led to job losses in Louisiana and increased oil prices.

Besides mandating regular sales, the legislation outlines specific terms regarding acreage, lease conditions, applicable environmental reviews, and protections against civil litigation delays or invalidations.

Other senators supporting this bill include Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).