WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior announced two major initiatives last week, advancing the Trump administration’s priorities on energy security, economic growth, and coastal resilience.
Gulf States to Receive Increased Offshore Energy Revenues
Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the annual cap on Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf revenue sharing will rise from $500 million to $650 million, a level that will remain in place through 2034. The increase, authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill, marks the first permanent adjustment to the cap since 2016.
Under the new framework, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas will receive 75 percent of the revenues—up to $487.5 million annually—to fund coastal protection, restoration, and infrastructure projects. The remaining 25 percent, up to $162.5 million, will be directed to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the change as both an energy and infrastructure investment, noting that coastal states “power our economy” and should have the resources to build resilience and create jobs. The adjustment could mean as much as $150 million in additional funding each year for Gulf communities.
Black Butte Mine Expansion Advances
The department also announced plans to prepare an environmental impact statement for Black Butte Coal Company’s proposal to expand mining operations in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The project, aligned with President Donald J. Trump’s January declaration of a national energy emergency, seeks to access an estimated 9.2 million tons of federal coal reserves under Lease WYW-6266.
If approved, the expansion would open two new pits, disturb roughly 450 acres, and extend the mine’s life through 2039. Since 1977, Black Butte Mine has supplied coal to the Jim Bridger Power Plant, supporting jobs across federal, state, and private lands.
In a move to expedite development, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement will complete its environmental review within 28 days, a sharp departure from traditional timelines. Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess framed the decision as a commitment to cutting red tape and strengthening the nation’s energy grid.
Together, the revenue-sharing increase and the accelerated coal review highlight the administration’s strategy of bolstering domestic energy while channeling new funds into critical community and infrastructure projects.
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