American Shores Protection Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 12, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a seven-year statutory moratorium on new offshore oil and natural gas drilling in specified areas off the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
What it actually does
This bill, the 'American Shores Protection Act of 2025,' prohibits the Secretary from issuing new leases or authorizations for oil and natural gas exploration, development, or production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, the South Atlantic Planning Area, and the Straits of Florida Planning Area. This prohibition is effective from the date of enactment until June 30, 2032, but does not affect any leases issued before the enactment date.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential for protecting the vital coastal economies, tourism industries, and pristine marine environments of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina from the risks of oil spills and industrialization. They contend that safeguarding these natural resources and economic drivers outweighs any potential benefits from offshore drilling, aligning with previous executive actions to protect these sensitive areas.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that this prohibition unnecessarily restricts access to potential domestic energy resources, which could enhance national energy security and provide economic benefits through job creation and revenue. They might assert that modern drilling technologies are safe and that limiting domestic supply could lead to increased reliance on foreign energy sources and potentially higher energy costs for consumers.
The bill is very concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review by any interested reader.
Section 3, amending Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337)
Prohibition of Oil and Natural Gas Exploration, Development, and Production in Certain Areas
This provision amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any new leases or authorizations for oil and natural gas exploration, development, or production in three specific regions: the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, the South Atlantic Planning Area, and the Straits of Florida Planning Area. This ban is in effect from the bill's enactment until June 30, 2032. It explicitly states that any leases issued prior to the bill's enactment are not affected by this prohibition.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is critical for safeguarding the economic prosperity of coastal communities, which heavily rely on tourism, fishing, and clean beaches. They emphasize the irreversible damage and long-term economic disruption that an oil spill could cause, asserting that the environmental and economic risks of drilling in these sensitive areas far outweigh any potential energy gains.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this prohibition unnecessarily foregoes access to valuable domestic energy resources, which could contribute to national energy independence and create jobs. They argue that advanced drilling technologies mitigate environmental risks and that restricting supply in these areas could force the nation to rely more on less stable foreign sources, potentially leading to higher energy costs.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between protecting fragile coastal environments and supporting established tourism and fishing economies, versus the potential for domestic energy production and the associated economic benefits for the oil and gas sector. It highlights a fundamental policy choice between environmental preservation and energy resource development in specific, sensitive geographic areas.