H.R. 2865: New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025

The New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025 is a legislative proposal aimed at protecting specific areas of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of New England states—Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut—from oil and gas leasing activities.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Prohibition on Leasing: The bill prohibits the issuance of leases for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in designated areas of the outer Continental Shelf adjacent to the mentioned states.
• Amendment to Existing Law: The bill amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, specifically stating that no leases for oil and gas extraction may be issued in the specified areas.

Geographical Scope

The prohibition applies specifically to the outer Continental Shelf areas off the coasts of:

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut

Intent and Purpose

The intent behind this legislation is to safeguard the coastal environment and halt further development related to fossil fuels in these sensitive marine areas. It addresses concerns over environmental protection, climate change, and the preservation of marine life and habitats.

Potential Impacts

The proposed law aims to ensure the long-term ecological health of the New England coastline and may encourage investment and growth in alternative energy sources, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable energy practices.

Relevant Companies

• XOM - Exxon Mobil Corporation: As one of the largest oil and gas companies, any prohibition on leasing in these regions may impact their potential future operations and profit opportunities.
• CVX - Chevron Corporation: Similar to Exxon, Chevron's plans for exploration and production in offshore regions could be restricted, affecting their strategic growth plans.