Austin, January 23, 2026
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham supports the upcoming offshore oil and gas lease sale, Lease Sale BBG2, set for March 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. economy and national security through increased domestic energy production. The Texas General Land Office (GLO), overseeing significant swathes of state land, plays a pivotal role in generating revenue for public education and promoting responsible offshore production. This effort is tied to the broader One Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at reinforcing American energy dominance.
Austin, Texas – The Future of Offshore Energy Development
Supporting Offshore Growth for Texas and Beyond
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., has recently voiced her robust support for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) upcoming offshore oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America. This initiative is vital for bolstering the nation’s economy and enhancing national security through increased domestic energy production.
The impending Lease Sale BBG2 (Big Beautiful Gulf 2) is set for March 11, 2026, with the prospect of offering around 15,000 unleased blocks across nearly 80 million acres of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. This sale represents a significant opportunity for Texas’s local economy and the broader national landscape, aligning with ongoing efforts to promote energy independence and economic resilience.
Texas General Land Office and Public Education
At the heart of these developments is the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which is responsible for managing over 13 million acres of state land, including submerged lands that extend approximately ten miles into the Gulf of America. Historically, the GLO has played a critical role in generating substantial revenue for Texas public education through oil and gas production, mineral leasing, and surface leasing. Under Commissioner Buckingham’s leadership, these initiatives have contributed approximately $6 billion to the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF), directly benefiting K–12 education across the state.
Why This Lease Sale Matters
The economic implications of responsible offshore production cannot be understated. Commissioner Buckingham has emphasized that expanding such production capabilities in the Gulf of America is not only essential for the nation’s economic strength but also crucial for national security. Encouraging responsible energy practices that prioritize American interests positions the state favorably in a global market increasingly characterized by energy demands and geopolitical risks.
One Big Beautiful Bill and Energy Dominance
The proposed lease sale forms part of a broader legislative initiative known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is designed to enhance American energy dominance by promoting viable offshore oil and gas production. The GLO’s backing reaffirms Texas’s central role in shaping the future of the nation’s energy sector, while also showcasing a commitment to pursuing responsible energy strategies that benefit both the state and the country at large.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Lease Sale BBG2?
Lease Sale BBG2 (Big Beautiful Gulf 2) is a proposed offshore oil and gas lease sale scheduled for March 11, 2026, offering approximately 15,000 unleased blocks covering nearly 80 million acres of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America.
What is the Texas General Land Office’s role in this lease sale?
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) manages over 13 million acres of state land, including submerged lands extending approximately ten miles into the Gulf of America. The GLO has been instrumental in generating revenue for Texas public education through oil and gas production, mineral leasing, and surface leasing.
How does this lease sale impact national security?
Expanding responsible offshore production in the Gulf of America is essential for the nation’s economic strength and national security, as it enhances domestic energy production and reduces reliance on foreign energy sources.
What is the One Big Beautiful Bill?
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a legislative initiative aimed at enhancing American energy dominance by promoting responsible offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of America.
Key Features of the Proposed Lease Sale
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lease Sale BBG2 | Proposed offshore oil and gas lease sale scheduled for March 11, 2026, offering approximately 15,000 unleased blocks covering nearly 80 million acres of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America. |
| Texas General Land Office’s Role | Manages over 13 million acres of state land, including submerged lands extending approximately ten miles into the Gulf of America, generating revenue for Texas public education through oil and gas production, mineral leasing, and surface leasing. |
| Economic and National Security Implications | Expanding responsible offshore production in the Gulf of America is essential for the nation’s economic strength and national security, enhancing domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. |
| One Big Beautiful Bill | Legislative initiative aimed at enhancing American energy dominance by promoting responsible offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of America. |
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