Offshore Lands Authorities Act of 2025

This bill would reopen some offshore areas to possible oil and gas leasing by canceling several past presidential orders. It names withdrawals in the Arctic (Chukchi and Beaufort seas), Atlantic canyons, the Northern Bering Sea, and other areas from 2014, 2016, 2023, and January 6, 2025, and says those actions would have no effect if this bill becomes law.

It also narrows a president’s power to block future offshore areas from leasing. Each withdrawal would be limited to 150,000 acres and 20 years, with a total cap of 500,000 acres unless Congress approves more. Before any withdrawal, the Interior Department must complete up‑to‑date studies of resources and impacts, including effects on energy, national security, and expected revenue for the Treasury, States (including Gulf of Mexico revenue-sharing), the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Historic Preservation Fund, and send a report to Congress. Congress would get a fast‑track process to disapprove a withdrawal; if Congress disapproves, a similar withdrawal could not be reissued without a new law. These determinations would not be subject to court review. A withdrawal could not conflict with areas already scheduled for lease sales under the federal five‑year program .

Key points

• Who is affected: Offshore oil and gas leasing decisions; States that share in offshore revenues; federal funds like the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund.
• What changes: Cancels specific past withdrawals; sets acreage and time limits on new withdrawals; requires studies and a report; lets Congress quickly block withdrawals; bars court review; and prevents conflicts with scheduled lease sales .
• When: These changes would take effect if the bill is enacted; the listed past withdrawals would no longer have force or effect under this bill.