S. 1472: New England Coastal Protection Act

The New England Coastal Protection Act aims to prohibit any oil and gas leasing activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the coast of New England. This includes the waters off the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Here is a breakdown of its key provisions:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of this bill is to protect the coastal environment and resources of New England by preventing new oil and gas exploration, development, or production activities in these marine areas.

Specific Provisions

• The bill amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which governs leasing for mineral exploration and development on the OCS.
• It establishes a prohibition specifically for leasing activities related to oil and natural gas within certain geographical limits.
• Areas affected include all waters off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Enforcement and Authority

The bill grants authority to the Secretary of the relevant governmental body to enforce the prohibition, ensuring that no leases for exploration or production of oil and gas are issued in the specified coastal regions.

Impact on Coastal Environment

The legislation is intended to safeguard marine ecosystems, fishing industries, and tourism in New England by eliminating the risks associated with oil and gas drilling, such as oil spills and habitat destruction.

Potential Economic Considerations

By prohibiting oil and gas leasing, the bill may have economic implications for industries related to fossil fuel extraction, while potentially benefiting tourism and fishing sectors that rely on clean and healthy ocean environments.

Relevant Companies

• None found