Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Offshore Leasing
On August 5, 2025, BOEM published a direct final rule rescinding its regulations that require the agency to publish a 5-year schedule of anticipated lease sales at least every two years. The agency claims the requirement is not mandated by statute and "unnecessarily limits the Secretary's discretion over scheduling renewable lease sales." 90 Fed. Reg. 37,386 (Aug. 5, 2025).
Second Trump Administration (2025-2028)
On August 5, 2025, BOEM published a direct final rule rescinding its regulations that require the agency to publish a 5-year schedule of anticipated lease sales at least every two years. The agency claims the requirement is not mandated by statute and "unnecessarily limits the Secretary's discretion over scheduling renewable lease sales." 90 Fed. Reg. 37,386 (Aug. 5, 2025).
On July 30, 2025, BOEM announced that it is rescinding its previous designation of 3.5 million acres of the outer continental shelf to be eligible for wind energy leasing.
Decommissioning Offshore Energy Operations
On May 2, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced that it plans to revise the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations Rule, which was issued under President Biden. 89 Fed. Reg. 31,544 (Apr. 24, 2024). The agency aims to finalize the rule in 2025 and will consider public comment on the proposed rule when published.
Second Trump Administration (2025-2028)
On May 2, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced that it plans to revise the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations Rule, which was issued under President Biden. 89 Fed. Reg. 31,544 (Apr. 24, 2024). The agency aims to finalize the rule in 2025 and will consider public comment on the proposed rule when published.
Biden Administration (2021-2024)
On April 24, 2024, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued the Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations Rule. 89 Fed. Reg. 31,544 (Apr. 24, 2024).