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U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resources Revenue Data wordmark with oil platform rig pulling up a dollar sign

How it works /

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 the act, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas receive a portion of the revenue generated from oil and gas production offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The act also directs a portion of revenue to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Revenue sharing

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

GOMESA disbursements

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue disburses GOMESA revenue to both state and local governments for each of the four GOMESA states. Click on a state for a detailed look at disbursements to state and local governments.

Recipient (state and local total) FY2020
Alabama$50,046,761.81
Louisiana$155,718,469.97
Mississippi$51,913,975.74
Texas$95,283,932.14

Land and Water Conservation Fund

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

Purpose of funds

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

Phases

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:

  • $375 million for fiscal years 2017–2019
  • $487.5 million for fiscal years 2020 and 2021
  • $375 million for fiscal years 2022–2055

The cap is lifted beginning in fiscal year 2056.

Expanded leasing area

The act 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.

Extended moratorium

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.