The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published on April 1the Area Identification (Area ID) for the proposed Gulf of Mexico (GoM) oil and gas Lease Sales 262, 263 and 264

On Dec. 14, the Interior Department announced the 2024–2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (National OCS Program).

On Oct. 2, BOEM published a call for information and nominations on the GoM area identified in the 2024–2029 National OCS Program. Using input received from the call, BOEM created the Area ID, which determines the areas identified in the call will receive further consideration and analyses, BOEM said.

Before the decision to lease is made, BOEM said several steps must take place, including completion of environmental analyses, comments from affected and interested parties and issuance of proposed and final notices of sale.

The Interior Department has scheduled Lease Sale 262 for 2025.