Trump Administration Proposes Offshore Drilling Expansion Along California and Florida Coasts

The Trump administration released a draft plan on Nov. 20, 2025, to expand oil and gas drilling across 1.27 billion acres of federal waters. This includes areas off of California and Florida that haven't seen new leases in decades. The proposal lists up to 34 potential offshore lease sales across 21 of 27 existing Outer Continental Shelf planning areas.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the 2026-2032 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. It covers 21 areas off Alaska, seven in the Gulf of Mexico, and six along the Pacific coast. 

"The Biden administration slammed the brakes on offshore oil and gas leasing and crippled the long-term pipeline of America's offshore production," Burgum said in a statement, according to USA Today. "By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America's offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come."

Drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico would start at least 100 miles from Florida's shore. Federal waters there have been closed to new drilling since 1995 because of worries about oil spills. 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office opposes the plan. "California will not stand by while the Trump Administration marches in and makes a mess of our coastal towns and waterways in order to line the pockets of its wealthy friends," Bonta said in a statement.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called the proposal "idiotic." He vowed to use every tool at the state's disposal to protect its coastline. California hasn't seen new drilling since a 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara destroyed coastal wildlife and the fishing industry. Almost 70% of the state's nearly 40 million residents live near coastal waters.

Florida officials also voiced opposition. Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Ashley Moody co-sponsored legislation to maintain a moratorium on offshore drilling that Trump signed during his first term. "As Floridians, we know how vital our beautiful beaches and coastal waters are to our state's economy, environment and way of life," Scott said in a statement.

Rep. Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed candidate for Florida governor in 2026, joined other Republican congressmen in urging the Department of the Interior to reconsider. Their letter stated oil exploration in the eastern Gulf was "incompatible with military operations and recreational uses."

Environmental groups warned of risks to marine life and coastal communities. Brettny Hardy, senior attorney at Earthjustice, said the administration "is threatening to impose offshore oil drilling on states, cities, and communities that have fought against it for decades." More than 100 lawmakers demanded in October that Trump and Burgum cease any plans to open new offshore oil and gas leases in federal waters.

The proposal replaces a Biden administration plan that included only three scheduled sales between 2024 and 2029. A 60-day public comment period will begin when the proposal is published in the Federal Register on Monday, Nov. 24.