Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has voiced strong support for a proposed federal offshore oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America, calling it a key move to enhance U.S. energy production and security.
The comments, submitted on behalf of the General Land Office, endorse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s plan for a second auction under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
“Texas is the energy capital of the world, and expanding responsible offshore production in the Gulf of America is essential to our nation’s economic strength and national security,” Commissioner Buckingham said in a news release.
“I applaud BOEM for continuing to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to predictable, pro-energy leasing that puts America first.”
The proposed sale, dubbed Lease Sale BBG2 or Big Beautiful Gulf 2, is set for March 11 and would make available about 15,000 unleased blocks spanning nearly 80 million acres on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
Buckingham’s submission highlights the office’s stewardship of state-owned energy resources, including submerged lands off the coast.
In her role, she manages over 13 million acres that produce funds for public schools through oil and gas operations, mineral rights, and land leases. Oil and gas revenues from these properties have contributed about $6 billion to the Texas Permanent School Fund since she assumed office.
The fund, a protected endowment for K-12 education across the state, has expanded from an initial $2 million to $60.6 billion.
The General Land Office also oversees state submerged lands reaching three marine leagues — roughly 10 miles — into the Gulf of America, positioning it as the top mineral rights holder on behalf of Texas schoolchildren.
Buckingham’s letter of support can be found here.
