The federal government’s proposal threatens wildlife, ecosystems, communities, businesses and our climate: Submit your comments today!
The Surfrider Foundation strongly objects to the federal administration’s proposed 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil & Gas Leasing Program for 2026 - 2031. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s dangerous proposal would open up California, the Gulf of Mexico, including the previously protected waters off of Florida, as well as Alaska and the pristine High Arctic, where drilling has never been attempted before because of the hazards. In total. In total, the proposal covers 1.27 billion acres, putting coastal ecosystems, communities, and businesses at serious risk. Surfrider calls on elected officials and members of the public to register official opposition during the 60-day comment period.
Offshore drilling is an existential threat to our coastal recreation, tourism, and fishing industries that generate billions of dollars for the U.S. economy. These industries depend on a clean and healthy coastal and ocean environment, and provide around 3.3 million jobs and $250 billion in GDP. Ocean tourism and recreation provide nearly ten times the amount of jobs than the offshore oil industry. Even in the Gulf of Mexico, where most existing offshore drilling occurs, the ocean-dependent sectors of tourism, recreation, and fishing of every Gulf state, except Texas, provide the largest employment contributions.
The U.S. does not need new offshore leasing to meet its national energy needs. The oil and gas industry already has thousands of fully approved, but unused drilling permits that they are sitting on across the U.S. Moreover, energy independence will never be found at the bottom of an oil well. Gas prices are determined by global markets and would not be significantly impacted by new offshore drilling in U.S. waters, according to the U.S. government. Instead of doubling down on harmful offshore drilling, the U.S. should embrace comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy solutions, including energy conservation.
Offshore drilling is broadly unpopular across the country. More than 400 municipalities, 2,500 elected officials, 59,000 businesses, and 500,000 fishing families have formally opposed new offshore oil and gas development. A 2024 poll found strong support amongst Americans for protecting U.S. waters. Two-thirds of American voters (64%) support their elected officials protecting U.S. coastlines from new offshore drilling, with similar support among registered voters in coastal states (66%).
The Surfrider Foundation is waging a national campaign to stop the federal government from approving new offshore oil and gas drilling off our coasts. We call upon communities, elected officials, businesses, and the public to submit comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in opposition to the offshore drilling proposal. The recent rejection by Congress of a proposal to sell millions of acres of public lands shows the enormous power of citizen engagement. Without a massive mobilization by the public, our voice will be drowned out by the lobbying power of Big Oil in Washington, D.C.
The Surfrider Foundation urges the federal administration to adopt a 5-year offshore oil and gas program with no new lease sales. Such action will protect valuable marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as the communities and businesses that depend on these resources.
The Surfrider Foundation is determined to prevent the administration’s proposal from being finalized, but we need your help. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has opened a 60-day public comment period to accept feedback on the proposal that expires on January 23, 2026. Surfrider has launched an action alert that allows supporters to easily submit their official comment to the agency. Please complete the action alert today and Surfrider will send your comment to BOEM when the comment period opens.
Without a massive mobilization by the public, our voice will be drowned out by the lobbying power of Big Oil in Washington, D.C. Let’s protect the places we love and #protectourcoasts. Please visit our campaign page and take action below!