H.R.2862 - Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2862, the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act, aims to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit oil and gas leasing in the Southern California Planning Area. The bill references the '2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program' dated September 2023, to define the specific geographic area affected. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to permanently prevent new oil and gas leases in the Southern California Planning Area. This would halt any potential future exploration, development, or production of oil and natural gas within that region. The bill aims to protect the coastal environment and marine ecosystems from potential harm associated with offshore drilling.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Prevents potential oil spills and damage to marine ecosystems.
- Tourism: Protects the aesthetic value of the coastline, supporting the tourism industry.
- Fishing Industry: Preserves fish stocks and habitats, benefiting local fisheries.
- Public Health: Reduces air and water pollution associated with oil and gas activities.
- Coastal Resilience: Helps maintain natural coastal defenses against storms and erosion.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Energy Production: Limits domestic oil and gas production, potentially increasing reliance on foreign sources.
- Job Losses: Could lead to job losses in the oil and gas industry and related sectors.
- Economic Impact: May reduce potential revenue from oil and gas leasing and production.
- Increased Energy Costs: Could potentially 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 aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as it pertains to the management of resources on the Outer Continental Shelf. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which this bill amends, is itself an exercise of this power. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).