Sponsors (7)
The bill lets states and industry keep and fund artificial reefs—reducing decommissioning costs and preserving marine habitat—while shifting long-term costs and some removal authority to states and limiting federal control, which can prolong hazards and raise conflict-of-interest and oversight concerns.
State governments can accept decommissioned offshore platforms as artificial reefs and receive up to 50% of applicant cost savings, providing states with revenue and greater control over reefed structures.
Marine ecosystems and fishing communities benefit because eligible inactive platforms may remain in place as reefs if wells are plugged and hazards removed, preserving established habitat.
Energy companies and lessees gain reduced regulatory uncertainty through a predictable, applicant-driven multi-step decommissioning process with deadlines and appeal rights.
Local governments, the Coast Guard, and mariners may face increased navigation and safety risks because the Interior's authority to order removals is extended, potentially leaving inactive structures in place longer (up to 3+ years).
State governments that accept reefed structures may incur long-term liability and ongoing maintenance costs, shifting fiscal and management burdens to state budgets.
Allowing applicants or third parties to prepare assessments could create conflicts of interest and variable assessment quality, risking weaker protection for ecosystems and inconsistent decisions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a statutory process allowing approved reefing-in-place of certain offshore oil and gas structures, sets timelines, appeals, and lets States assume liability for approved structures.
Official title: To promote fish habitat through the enhancement of certain offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines as artificial reefs, and for other purposes.
Introduced October 14, 2025 by Mike Ezell · Last progress October 14, 2025
Creates a new, statutory process for approving “reefing in place” (leaving, toppling, partial removal, or abandoning in place) of certain offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines, and related infrastructure in defined waters. It defines terms, sets applicant-driven steps and timelines for environmental and structural assessments, adds an appeals path, and restricts the Interior Department’s power to order removals while those reviews proceed. Allows States to accept responsibility and liability for approved structures (within a year of planning-area designation) in exchange for funds up to 50% of an applicant’s cost savings unless the applicant agrees to a larger share; requires wells to be plugged, hydrocarbons removed, navigation aids installed if needed, and a Secretary finding that structures are sound and secure before reefing is approved.