H.R.2865 - New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2865, the New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025, aims to prohibit oil and gas leasing on the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of New England. The bill amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prevent the Secretary from issuing leases for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in this specific area. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would permanently ban new oil and gas leases off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. This would prevent future exploration and extraction activities in these areas. The existing infrastructure and any future plans for oil and gas development would be halted.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Protects marine ecosystems and coastal areas from potential oil spills and pollution.
- Tourism & Recreation: Preserves the aesthetic value of the coastline, supporting tourism and recreational activities.
- Fishing Industry: Safeguards fish stocks and marine habitats, benefiting the fishing industry.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Reduces the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas extraction.
- Property Values: Protects coastal property values by reducing the risk of environmental damage.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Energy Production: Limits domestic oil and gas production, potentially increasing reliance on foreign sources.
- Economic Impact: Could negatively impact potential job creation and revenue generation associated with oil and gas activities.
- Limited Resource Exploration: Prevents the exploration of potentially valuable energy resources.
- Increased Energy Costs: May contribute to higher energy costs for consumers in the long term.
- Reduced State Revenue: States may miss out on potential revenue from royalties and taxes associated with oil and gas production.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as it pertains to the management of resources on the outer Continental Shelf, which affects multiple states. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which this bill amends, has been generally upheld as a valid 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).