An executive order has officially designated the area formerly known as the Gulf Of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”. This significant change is part of a broader initiative to restore names that celebrate American heritage and honor figures of American greatness. The order, signed and issued as a presidential action, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting the extraordinary legacy of the United States. It underscores a policy aimed at ensuring that future generations of American citizens understand and appreciate the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans.
The executive order explicitly states that naming national treasures, including natural wonders and historic landmarks, should reflect the contributions of those who have shaped the nation’s history. This directive has immediate implications for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the federal body responsible for standardizing geographic names throughout the United States. The order mandates a review of the Board’s composition, suggesting potential replacements to align with the new policy direction. Furthermore, any applications for naming or renaming will now be evaluated based on the principle of honoring “visionary and patriotic Americans.” This signals a clear shift in how geographic locations will be named and recognized at the federal level.
Section 4 of the executive order is dedicated to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, now officially designated as the Gulf of America. The rationale provided highlights the Gulf’s profound historical and economic importance to the United States. It emphasizes the Gulf’s crucial role as a historical artery for American trade and global commerce, describing it as an “integral asset” to the nation. The order points out the extensive U.S. coastline along the Gulf, spanning over 1,700 miles and encompassing nearly 160 million acres, underscoring its vastness and significance.
Economically, the Gulf of Mexico is presented as a cornerstone of American prosperity. The executive order details its rich natural resources and wildlife as central to the nation’s economy today. Specifically, it notes the “bountiful geology” of the Gulf basin, establishing it as one of the world’s most productive oil and gas regions. The region currently provides approximately 14% of the United States’ crude oil production, alongside substantial natural gas reserves. The order also credits the Gulf region with consistently driving technological innovation in deep-sea oil extraction.
Beyond energy resources, the Gulf of Mexico is celebrated for its vibrant American fisheries. The executive order lists snapper, shrimp, grouper, and stone crab as key species, recognizing the Gulf as one of the most productive fishing areas globally. It ranks second in the nation for commercial fishing landings by volume, contributing millions of dollars to local American economies. This robust fishing industry not only provides sustenance but also supports numerous livelihoods across the Gulf Coast.
Tourism and recreation also feature prominently in the justification for renaming the Gulf. The order acknowledges the Gulf of Mexico as a popular destination for American tourists, attracting visitors for its beaches, watersports, and diverse coastal attractions. This tourism sector further bolsters the economies of the states bordering the Gulf. Moreover, the Gulf is identified as a vital region for the multi-billion-dollar U.S. maritime industry, hosting some of the largest and most significant ports in the world. These ports are essential for trade, transportation, and the overall functioning of the American economy.
In light of these multifaceted contributions, the executive order concludes that the Gulf of Mexico “will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy.” It is in recognition of this enduring economic significance and critical importance to the nation and its people that the official renaming to the Gulf of America is directed. The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to implement this change within 30 days, updating the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and ensuring all federal references reflect the new designation. This renaming signifies a move to formally acknowledge the Gulf’s integral role in American identity and prosperity, embedding it within the narrative of American greatness and heritage.
