WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-TX), and Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) introduced H.R. 513, the Offshore Lands Authorities Act, which overturns Biden’s recent offshore drilling ban and creates a new process for withdrawals for future leasing determinations.
“For decades, Democrats have opposed the American oil and gas industry. Their policies have increased costs for our families and threatened American energy jobs. The disastrous term of Biden is over, and his drilling ban will not stand. Our legislation protects American energy production, restores Congressional oversight, and places guardrails on future land withdrawals,” said Congressman Higgins.
“For the past four years, Biden has crushed Americans’ access to affordable, abundant energy. This legislation blocks Biden’s last attempt to destroy offshore oil and gas production. With President Trump’s mandate to Make America Great Again, Congress must lead—and this is just the beginning,” said Congressman Hunt.
“From day one, Joe Biden has been on a crusade to kill offshore oil and gas, ignoring the livelihoods and energy needs of hardworking Americans. Now, in the eleventh hour, he’s digging in his heels, shoving an offshore oil ban down the throats of the American people—people who have made it crystal clear they reject this administration’s full-throttle assault on affordable, reliable energy. Enabling President Trump authority to reverse Biden’s reckless policies is not just a necessity—it’s essential for restoring America’s energy strength and securing our future,” said Congressman Weber.
“Our nation’s vast offshore resources are a critical source of affordable energy, government revenue and stability around the world. We applaud Rep. Higgins for introducing legislation to reverse this politically motivated decision and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing.” – API Vice President of Upstream Policy Holly Hopkins
“We thank Congressman Higgins for championing a strategic approach towards our nation’s offshore energy resources. Nullifying politically motivated withdrawals from President Biden and establishing clear boundaries on future executive actions concerning unleased offshore areas reinforces Congressional oversight over America’s energy destiny. The stipulation that significant withdrawals require Congressional approval ensures that such decisions reflect the will of the people through their elected representatives, rather than being subject to the political whims of executive policy. This bill safeguards our ability to responsibly develop these resources, if the need should ever arise, which is vital for our national security, economic prosperity, and energy independence.” – Erik Milito, President, National Ocean Industries Association
Representatives Tim Burchett (R-TN), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Carol Miller (R-WV), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Scott Perry (R-PA), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Mary Miller (R-IL), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Andy Harris (R-MD), Barry Moore (R-AL) are also original co-sponsors of the legislation.
The Offshore Lands Authorities Act would:
- Revoke previous presidential memoranda and executive orders that removed 625 million acres for offshore energy development.
- Limit withdrawals to under 100,000 acres in total or contiguous with any other withdrawal and set an expiration after 20 years.
- Requires geological, economic, and security assessments for future withdrawals.
- Requires Congressional approval if a President cumulatively withdraws more than 500,000 acres.
- Make withdrawals subject to a Congressional Review Act (CRA) like mechanism, giving Congress the authority to review and potentially overturn future withdrawals.
- Provide stability and predictability for energy producers by ensuring future withdrawals do not contradict an approved Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
Read the legislation here.
