Congressman Patronis Encourages Floridians to Let Their Voices Be Heard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Patronis encourages his constituents to voice their opinions on the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM’s) draft, proposed plan for offshore drilling from 2026 to 2031, before the comment period ends on January 23, 2026, at 10:59 P.M. CST.

“It is our right to share our concerns and perspectives, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s responsibility to listen to what we have to say,” said Congressman Patronis. “I encourage all my constituents to let their voices be heard during the comment period.”

As currently proposed, the draft plan offers vast, new areas for drilling off Florida’s Gulf coast, including areas 100 miles east of the Military Mission Line, beginning in 2029. These areas near Eglin Air Force Base have been off limits to new oil exploration for decades because of the sensitive munitions testing that occurs in the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range.

For the draft plan to lead to sales in 2029 as currently proposed, the federal ban would have to be rescinded, and BOEM would have to finalize the planning area. Before finalizing the area, BOEM is obligated to release the plan for public comment. This comment period represents the first of several where persons may express views on the draft plan.

To access the Online Portal Submission and the Notice, please click the links below:

Online Portal Submission - https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/BOEM-2025-0483-0001

Notice - https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/24/2025-20760/notice-of-availability-of-the-11th-national-outer-continental-shelf-oil-and-gas-leasing-draft

Via Mail:

11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program

Attn: Ms. Kelly Hammerle

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD)

45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166-9216

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