H.R.2881 - Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025; COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2881, also known as the Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025, aims to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The amendment would permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer Continental Shelf in the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would prevent any new oil and gas leases or authorizations for exploration, development, or production in the specified Atlantic and Florida coastal areas. This would effectively protect these regions from potential environmental risks associated with offshore drilling. It would also impact energy production strategies and potentially shift focus to other energy sources or regions.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Reduces the risk of oil spills and damage to marine ecosystems.
- Tourism: Protects coastal tourism industries that rely on clean oceans and beaches.
- Economic Diversification: May incentivize investment in renewable energy sources and other sustainable industries.
- Public Health: Reduces potential health risks associated with air and water pollution from drilling activities.
- Preservation of Natural Resources: Helps conserve marine habitats and biodiversity for future generations.
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 in the affected regions.
- Economic Impact: May negatively impact the economies of states that rely on offshore drilling revenue.
- Increased Energy Costs: Could potentially lead to higher energy prices for consumers.
- Limited Resource Exploration: Prevents the exploration of potentially valuable energy resources.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) as it pertains to the development and regulation of resources on the Outer Continental Shelf. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which this bill seeks to amend, was originally enacted under this constitutional authority. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or freedoms as defined in the Bill of Rights.
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).