The sales were authorized in the sweeping 2025 Congressional appropriations legislation H.R. 1 (referred to by the Trump administration as “the One Big Beautiful Bill Act”).
“Regular and predictable federal leasing is the minimum standard for maintaining domestic energy production,” BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona said in announcing the notice. “Energy security is national security, and this sale reflects a clear, congressionally mandated path forward for Cook Inlet leasing.”
“By offering predictable terms and a transparent process, we are supporting Alaska’s role in meeting America’s energy needs, strengthening national readiness and creating opportunities for investment and jobs.”
The final notice of includes Information to lessees and lease stipulations. Lease terms include a 10-year primary term, a minimum bonus bid of $25 per hectare, and a 12.5 percent royalty rate.
Sealed bids must be received by 10 a.m. Alaska Time Tuesday, March 3. BOEM will open and publicly announce bids via livestream at 10 a.m. Alaska time Wednesday, March 4.
BOEM will evaluate high bids using its bid adequacy procedures, and the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission will review results for antitrust considerations before BOEM accepts bids and issues leases.
The complete lease sale package, including a list of blocks available for bid, an area map and instructions for accessing the livestream, is available at: www.boem.gov/ak-bbc1.
BOEM plans to make approximately 1 million acres available for leasing in Cook Inlet, with six lease sales required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into 2032. To encourage industry participation, BOEM set a 12.5% royalty rate —the lowest rate allowed by statute — for both shallow and deepwater leases.
