Sponsors (38)
The bill permanently bans offshore leasing in specified Atlantic and Straits waters to protect coastal ecosystems and tourism/fishing economies, while imposing trade-offs in the form of lost oil-sector jobs, reduced lease revenue, potential upward pressure on energy costs, and diminished administrative flexibility.
Coastal communities, beaches, fisheries, and marine ecosystems in the North, Mid-, and South Atlantic and the Straits of Florida are protected from offshore drilling-related spills and development impacts.
Middle-class families and local economies that depend on tourism and commercial fishing avoid potential long-term economic losses from oil spills and related development impacts.
State and local governments and regulated parties gain clarity and regulatory certainty because the bill permanently prohibits leasing in the named areas 'notwithstanding any other law.'
Energy workers and small businesses tied to offshore oil and gas development in the barred areas could lose jobs, contracts, and income.
Taxpayers and energy consumers could face higher energy costs or reduced domestic energy production if other onshore or offshore sources do not fully replace the lost output.
Federal (and potentially state-shared) revenue from Outer Continental Shelf lease sales and royalties will be reduced for the barred planning areas, shrinking funds available for federal and state budgets.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases or authorizations for oil, gas, or other minerals in four Atlantic planning areas shown in BOEM's 2024–2029 program.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Frank Pallone · Last progress April 10, 2025
Bars the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any leases or other authorizations for exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in four Atlantic planning areas: the North Atlantic, Mid‑Atlantic, South Atlantic, and the Straits of Florida, as depicted in BOEM's 2024–2029 proposed leasing program. The ban is absolute and applies notwithstanding any other provision of law. This change amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to make those planning areas off-limits to federal leasing or authorization for energy or mineral development, with no funding or program authorizations included in the text.