Congress kills marine archaeology protections for offshore energy
S.J.Res. 11 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources". · Filed by John Kennedy (R-LA) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 4, 2025 · Signed
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What it does
This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to block a federal rule that would protect marine archaeological sites from damage during ocean energy development. The rule, issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in September 2024, is now void and has no legal effect.
Why we flagged it
This is a straightforward Congressional Review Act disapproval resolution that eliminates a regulatory protection. It uses the CRA's expedited process to block an environmental/cultural protection rule without debate or amendment, a common deregulatory tactic in the 119th Congress.
What the text implies
- The disapproval is permanent under the CRA: BOEM cannot reissue a substantially similar rule without new congressional authorization, effectively locking in deregulation for the remainder of this Congress and beyond.
- Marine archaeological sites are non-renewable cultural resources; once damaged by energy infrastructure, they cannot be restored. This disapproval trades permanent loss of heritage for temporary regulatory relief.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
offshore wind developers; oil and gas exploration companies; marine energy operators