Areas Under Moratoria

Area Restricted by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)

A portion of the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area (CPA) and most of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area (EPA) is under restriction until 2022 as part of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. The area restricted is that portion of EPA within 125 miles of Florida, all areas in the Gulf of Mexico east of the Military Mission Line (86º 41’ west longitude), and the area within the CPA that is within 100 miles of Florida.

GOMESA Map

Presidential Withdrawal

The President has withdrawn all marine sanctuaries from future oil and gas leasing activities. On March 31, 2010, the President withdrew Bristol Bay, offshore Alaska, from leasing consideration through June 30, 2017.

Presidential Withdrawal Map

Annual Moratoria (also referred to as Congressional Moratoria)

In the past, Congress has imposed a restriction on what areas the Bureau could offer for OCS oil and gas leasing. This restriction (also called a moratorium) limited the Bureau’s latitude in spending appropriated funds for pre-lease and leasing activities. Congressional moratoria prohibited future oil and gas leasing but it did not apply to activities on existing leases. These moratoria were enacted annually as part of the Department of the Interior’s appropriations legislation. Currently, no OCS areas are affected by annual moratoria.