H.R.2849 - West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2849, the West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025, aims to permanently prohibit oil and gas exploration, development, and production on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prevent the Secretary from issuing leases or authorizations for such activities in specific planning areas. These areas are defined by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the permanent cessation of new oil and gas exploration and production activities off the West Coast. This would preserve the coastal environment and marine ecosystems in the specified planning areas. It would also likely shift energy reliance away from fossil fuels in those states.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Prevents potential oil spills and damage to marine ecosystems.
- Tourism & Recreation: Protects coastal areas, supporting tourism and recreational activities.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change goals.
- Preservation of Natural Resources: Maintains the natural beauty and biodiversity of the West Coast.
- Public Health: Reduces air and water pollution associated with oil and gas activities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Impact: Potential loss of jobs in the oil and gas industry.
- Reduced Energy Production: Limits domestic energy production, potentially increasing reliance on foreign sources.
- Revenue Loss: Decreases potential revenue from oil and gas leases for the government.
- Increased Energy Costs: May lead to higher energy costs for consumers in the region.
- Limited Resource Exploration: Prevents the exploration of potentially valuable energy resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by managing resources on the Outer Continental Shelf. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections. However, some may argue that restricting energy production could impact economic activity, raising questions about the balance between environmental protection and economic development.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).