GoMESA

ONRR shares 37.5 percent of selected revenue with Gulf producing states and political subdivisions; payable annually during the year after receipt in accordance with 30 CFR Section 519.418.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, commonly known as GOMESA, is a federal law that directs a portion of offshore oil and gas revenues to coastal states and conservation programs. Its purpose is simple: to support the communities and environments most closely connected to energy production in the Gulf of America. GOMESA primarily benefits: • Gulf Coast states and their coastal communities, which receive a share of revenue to support infrastructure, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and other local priorities. • The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which receives a dedicated portion of GOMESA revenue that remains available until it is fully used. This ensures long term support for parks, public lands, and recreation projects nationwide. Several features distinguish GOMESA from other federal funding programs: • Direct, formula based revenue sharing: GOMESA ensures that states closest to offshore energy development directly receive a portion of the revenues generated. • Long term availability of certain funds: By statute, LWCF's GOMESA funds do not expire and remain available until spent, offering program stability and planning flexibility. • Support for both local and national conservation goals: While part of the funding strengthens Gulf Coast resilience, another portion enhances outdoor recreation and conservation efforts across the country. • A statutory framework tied specifically to Gulf of America leasing: GOMESA applies only to certain offshore leases, making it a targeted and place based program.

Eligible states and political subdivisions with Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi.

To be used in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws, only for 1 or more of the following purposes: A) Projects and activities for the purposes of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses; B) mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife or natural resources; C) implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal or comprehensive conservation management plan; D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through the funding of onshore infrastructure projects; E) Planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with this section.

Limitation: Not more than 3 percent of amount received may be spent on planning assistance and compliance administrative costs.

Automatic distribution is made as authorized by law.