Interior Department Unveils Update: U.S. Public Lands Hold 29.4 Billion Barrels of Oil, 391.6 Trillion Cubic Feet of Gas

Last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior released new data revealing the vast oil and natural gas potential beneath federally managed public lands. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), these lands contain an estimated 29.4 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil and 391.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas; nearly quadrupling oil estimates from the last comprehensive review in 1998.

This updated estimate underscores the strategic importance of domestic energy development. “American energy dominance is more important than ever,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Thanks to USGS’s rigorous and independent assessment, we’re better equipped to manage America’s vast public lands responsibly while supporting energy security and economic opportunity.”

The updated estimate includes data from 579 assessment units spanning 69 geologic provinces across the country. The public lands assessed are overseen by various federal agencies, including the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Defense, and Energy.

The data offers a fresh opportunity for federal leaders to reevaluate access, permitting, and infrastructure decisions that will shape the country’s economic and energy resilience for decades to come.