Sponsors (6)
The bill makes it easier and more predictable for states and lessees to convert inactive offshore platforms into artificial reefs—preserving marine habitat and providing states with funds and control—while extending the time federal authorities may be limited from ordering removals, shifting long-term costs to states, and raising safety/conflict-of-interest risks.
Coastal and marine ecosystems (and communities relying on them) can keep eligible inactive platforms as artificial reefs when wells are plugged and hazards removed, preserving established fish habitat and recreational fishing opportunities.
Coastal states can accept decommissioned platforms and receive up to 50% of applicant cost savings, giving states new revenue/control over reefed structures and reducing federal decommissioning outlays.
Lessees get a clearer, applicant-driven multi-step decommissioning process with deadlines and appeal rights, reducing regulatory uncertainty for energy companies planning end-of-life actions.
Local communities, mariners, and the Coast Guard may face longer periods with inactive structures in place (and narrower federal removal authority), increasing risks to navigation, public safety, and potentially national-security response if hazards emerge slowly.
States that accept structures assume long-term liability and maintenance costs, shifting ongoing fiscal and management burdens to state budgets and local taxpayers.
Allowing applicants or third parties to prepare environmental and safety assessments risks conflicts of interest and variable assessment quality, which could weaken protections for ecosystems and navigational safety.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a federal process to authorize reefing in place for certain inactive offshore oil and gas structures, limits Interior removal orders during review, and allows states to assume liability for approved reefs.
Introduced October 14, 2025 by Mike Ezell · Last progress October 14, 2025
Allows certain inactive offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines, and related infrastructure to be left in place, toppled, partially removed, or abandoned in place as artificial reefs under a new federal process. Sets definitions and deadlines, creates an applicant-driven review and approval path for “reefing in place,” limits the Interior Department’s authority to issue removal orders during specified review windows, and permits states to assume ownership and liability for approved reefed structures in exchange for a share of the applicant’s cost savings.