The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the issuance of two Calls for Information and Nominations to solicit industry nominations and public comments on areas of interest for potential offshore oil and gas leasing in Southern California and Central California under President Trump’s 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Program.
Publishing these calls in the Federal Register marks the first step in BOEM’s offshore oil and gas leasing process under 30 CFR 556.301. The calls invite industry input on potential areas for leasing and seek information from the public, tribal governments, and interested stakeholders on environmental conditions, socioeconomic considerations, and other relevant factors.
“We’re taking the first step toward a stronger, more secure American energy future,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. “These Calls begin a careful analysis of two key areas with promising resource potential on the Outer Continental Shelf to help guide future decisions about potential leasing and development—supporting U.S. energy security, creating good-paying jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign energy, all while maintaining our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.”
The Calls cover areas that were proposed in the Department of the Interior’s Draft Proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2026–2031), which was announced on Nov. 20, 2025.
- Southern California Call: Covers potential lease sales offshore the Southern California planning area. The first sale is tentatively scheduled for 2027.
- Central California Call: Covers potential lease sales offshore the Central California planning area. The first sale is tentatively scheduled for 2027.
Issuing these Calls does not constitute a decision to hold a lease sale, nor does it preclude areas from being removed from future consideration. Final determinations regarding leasing will be made later, in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental procedures.
The information gathered from the calls will help BOEM and the Secretary of the Interior determine whether to continue the pre-sale steps required to hold this sale, assuming the sale remains in the in the final proposed leasing program.
The 30-day comment period begins upon publication of the calls in the Federal Register on Jan. 27, 2026. Members of the public can review the calls and submit comments electronically through Regulations.gov using the docket numbers listed in the Federal Register Notices.
More information, including maps, instructions for submitting comments, and links to each regional Call, is available at www.boem.gov/California-oil-and-gas-leasing.
On January 23rd, California Governor Newsom, along with Governors Tina Kotek of Oregon and Bob Ferguson of Washington, submitted formal opposition to the Trump administration’s plan to open the California coast to new offshore oil and gas drilling—a move that threatens the West Coast’s coastal economy, marine ecosystems, and communities.
The three governors submitted a joint comment letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing the inclusion of any new oil and gas lease sales off California’s coast.
The California Natural Resources Agency also submitted formal comments opposing the offshore drilling proposal, highlighting the threat to California’s marine ecosystems, its coastal communities, and economy.
“This is not a partisan or geographic issue. Over the last four decades, California leaders have expressed consistent, united opposition to any new offshore oil and gas activities,” wrote California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “In 2006, 2008, 2014, and 2017, Republican and Democratic governors in California, Oregon, and Washington sent letters to the President of the United States and to Congress supporting moratoria on new offshore oil and gas leasing and opposing any efforts to renew and expand oil and gas leasing off the entire West Coast. The economic, environmental, and community risks of expanded offshore drilling are simply too great.”
The California Natural Resources Agency oversees the state’s efforts to protect coastal resources, manage marine protected areas, and coordinate responses to oil spills.
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