Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006 created a revenue-sharing model for oil- and gas-producing gulf states. Under GOMESA, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas receive a portion of the revenue generated from oil and gas production offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. GOMESA also directs a portion of revenue to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (PDF) created revenue-sharing provisions for four states and their coastal political subdivisions:

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue disburses GOMESA revenue to state and local governments for each of the four GOMESA states. The numbers below show the disbursements to the states and their local governments. Disbursements are made the year following the year of receipt and are subject to sequestration.

GOMESA also directs a portion of gulf revenue to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund supports preservation, development, and access to outdoor lands for public recreation.

GOMESA funds are to be used for coastal conservation, restoration, and hurricane protection.

There are two phases of GOMESA revenue sharing:

Phase I: Since 2007, 37.5% of all qualified gulf revenues are shared among the four states and their coastal political subdivisions. Revenues are generated from leases in specific geographic areas defined in the act. Additionally, 12.5% of revenues are disbursed to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Phase II: The second phase of GOMESA revenue sharing started in fiscal year 2017. It expands the areas that qualify for revenue-sharing (PDF) under GOMESA.

Phase II also imposes revenue-sharing caps on states and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Overall state revenue-sharing caps are:

The cap is lifted beginning in fiscal year 2056.

GOMESA stipulated 8.3 million acres be offered for oil and gas leasing shortly after the enactment of the statute. This acreage is included in the Central Gulf Planning Area and the Eastern Gulf Planning Area.

The GOMESA Moratorium covers a portion of the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and — until 2022 — most of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area.