Oil and gas drilling permits surge 55% under Trump

The Trump administration approved a 55% surge in federal oil and gas drilling permits nearly one year into his second term, reaching 5,742 approvals on public lands. This marks a sharp rise from 3,696 permits over the prior comparable Biden-era period, driven by streamlined processes and 22 lease sales covering 328,000 acres across 10 states. The boost ties into Permian Basin momentum, offering prime blog fodder amid $50 oil debates and Venezuela hurdles.​

Permit Surge Details

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) data covers January 20, 2025—Trump's inauguration—to January 6, 2026, with approvals at record speed via reduced red tape. White House touts "DRILL, BABY, DRILL" for energy dominance, crediting lower gas prices at multi-year lows. Yet, over 9,000 unused permits lingered by late 2025, questioning if approvals translate to rigs amid low prices.​

Permian Basin Tie-In

Permian drives U.S. records, with associated gas pushing output amid Trump's policies, though low prices cap drilling. Complements Oneok's midstream expansions handling basin volumes. Experts note prior Biden approvals neared Trump's first term totals (13k+ vs. 14k+), but pace accelerated now.​

Industry Implications

Producers gain access, but $50 oil math threatens profitability—Permian needs $55+ for most new wells. Venezuela floods risk undercutting U.S. output despite permits. Blogs can debate: surge signals boom or backlog bloat?​

Blog Hooks

• Data Viz: Chart 55% jump vs. Biden era, overlay Permian rigs.​

• Expert Views: Link Texas voices on hurdles, unused permits.​

• Price Context: Permits up, but $50 target crushes shale—math fails.​

• Midstream Win: Oneok poised regardless of drilling pace