WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 — The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) today released a new report highlighting the significant opportunity to strengthen U.S. energy security and economic growth through expanded energy development in the New South-Central region of the Gulf of America.
The report, prepared by Energy and Industrial Advisory Partners (EIAP), finds that extending responsible oil and natural gas development in the region, as outlined in the Department of the Interior’s proposed five-year offshore leasing program, would generate a significant source of new domestic energy supply – strengthening America’s energy security and supporting thousands of jobs across the Gulf Coast. Expanding access ensures the Gulf of America can continue to attract the next generation of investment and sustain long-term growth in one of the world’s most prolific offshore basins.
“In a volatile global energy environment, the United States is in a stronger position today because of sustained investment in domestic energy production and policies that support access to diverse supply regions within our borders,” API Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Dustin Meyer said. “Expanding access to the South-Central Gulf of America creates a new source of secure domestic energy—helping meet growing demand while strengthening our economic and national security.”
“The South-Central Gulf of America represents a natural extension of the Gulf of America’s proven energy ecosystem, with direct access to the infrastructure, workforce, and expertise that have made the region a global offshore leader,” NOIA President Erik Milito said. “This study highlights the scale of the opportunity: new production, billions in investment, and tens of thousands of jobs. At a time of rising global demand and geopolitical uncertainty, expanding access strengthens America’s long-term ability to produce energy at home, build energy dominance, support our energy workers, and keep investment and capital here in the United States.”
The report evaluates the potential impacts of opening Program Area B in the South-Central Gulf of America to leasing beginning in 2029. Key findings include:
- More than 133,000 jobs supported by 2040 through offshore development, supply chain activity and broader economic growth.
- $11.3 billion in U.S. GDP supported in 2040 from expanded energy production and related investment.
- $13.1 billion in capital investment and industry spending in 2040 tied to exploration, development and operations.
- Nearly $1.5 billion in government revenues in 2040 from lease bids, rents and royalties.
- More than 470,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in production by 2040, helping meet rising demand with secure American supply.
The report also finds these benefits would extend well beyond offshore production, supporting workers and businesses while leveraging infrastructure and workforce capabilities across the Gulf.
An expansive, predictable offshore leasing program is essential to maintaining America’s energy advantage— providing the long-term visibility needed to attract capital, support continued development, and ensure the U.S. can meet growing demand at home and abroad.
These benefits are additive to the Gulf of America’s existing operations, which already support hundreds of thousands of jobs and produce roughly 2 million barrels per day. The Gulf of America remains one of the world’s most prolific offshore energy basins and one of the lowest carbon-intensity sources of oil globally. Like any mature system, it depends on access to new, attractive resource areas to complement ongoing production. Expanding into the South-Central Gulf helps sustain long-term output while attracting the next generation of investment needed to keep the region competitive.
API and NOIA’s support for expanded leasing in the South-Central Gulf of America goes hand-in-hand with the industry’s longstanding commitment to world-class offshore safety. An expansive and predictable leasing program allows companies to plan and invest in best-in-class technologies and operations—ensuring development moves forward with the highest standards for safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Read the report here.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry, supporting nearly 11 million U.S. jobs. With approximately 600 members, API companies produce, process, and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy. Founded in 1919, API has developed over 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public, and our environment. To learn more about the Gulf of America’s role in anchoring U.S. energy leadership, visit GulfofAmericaForward.com.
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