COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 10, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 2881 seeks to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling in significant portions of the Atlantic Ocean, aiming to protect coastal environments and economies from the risks associated with fossil fuel extraction.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the 'Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025' or 'COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025,' amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently prohibit the issuance of any leases or authorizations for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas. It references the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program for the precise definition of these areas.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a critical step to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems, prevent catastrophic oil spills that could devastate coastal tourism and fishing industries, and align the United States with global efforts to transition to clean energy. They emphasize the long-term economic benefits of preserving natural coastlines over short-term gains from fossil fuel extraction.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this prohibition unnecessarily restricts access to vital domestic energy resources, which could lead to increased energy costs for consumers, greater reliance on foreign energy sources, and job losses in the oil and gas sector. They argue that modern drilling technologies are safe and that domestic production is crucial for national energy security.
The bill text is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.
Section 2, amending 43 U.S.C. 1337
Permanent Prohibition of Oil and Gas Leasing in Certain Atlantic OCS Areas
This provision amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act by adding a new subsection (q). This new subsection explicitly forbids the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any leases or other authorizations for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or other minerals in four specific planning areas: the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida. The exact boundaries of these areas are defined by reference to the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this permanent prohibition is essential to protect the Atlantic coast's pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and critical economic sectors like tourism and fishing from the inherent risks of offshore drilling, including oil spills and industrialization of coastal areas. They highlight the ecological and economic value of these areas.
Critics contend
Critics contend that permanently closing off these areas removes potential domestic energy sources, which could weaken U.S. energy independence and lead to higher energy costs. They argue that with advanced technology, offshore drilling can be conducted safely and that these resources are vital for national security and economic growth.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between environmental conservation and the desire for domestic energy production. It prioritizes the protection of coastal ecosystems and economies over potential fossil fuel extraction, leading to a direct conflict with energy industry interests and arguments for energy security.