Defend our Coast Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2886
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-04-22T08:06:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Defend our Coast Act" (H.R. 2886) aims to protect the Mid-Atlantic coastline by prohibiting new oil and gas leasing activities in a specific offshore area, reducing potential environmental risks from drilling while preserving the region for other uses.

Key Provisions

Amendment to Existing Law: Adds a new subsection (g) to Section 12 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA, a law that governs federal management of offshore lands beyond state waters).
Prohibition on Leasing: The Secretary of the Interior (who oversees offshore energy resources) is barred from issuing any leases for oil or gas exploration, development, or production in the Mid-Atlantic Planning Area.
Definition of Area: The restricted zone is defined as the Mid-Atlantic Planning Area, as mapped in the U.S. Department of the Interior's 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program (released September 2023). This area covers federal waters off the Mid-Atlantic U.S. coast, roughly from New York to North Carolina.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Permanent Withdrawal: Unlike temporary moratoriums or deferrals, this creates an indefinite ban on new oil and gas leases in the specified area, overriding future leasing programs unless Congress acts to repeal it.
No Impact on Existing Leases: The bill does not affect any pre-existing leases or activities; it only prevents new ones, providing a targeted update to the OCSLA without broader alterations to offshore management.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (specifically the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) would need to adjust leasing plans and maps, potentially redirecting resources to other offshore regions like the Gulf of Mexico.
On Citizens and Environment: Coastal communities in Mid-Atlantic states (e.g., Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey) could benefit from reduced risks of oil spills or pollution, supporting tourism, fishing, and marine ecosystems. However, it may limit domestic energy production, potentially increasing reliance on imported oil and affecting energy prices.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns with U.S. commitments to reduce carbon emissions under global climate agreements, possibly influencing energy trade with oil-exporting nations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Environmental and Conservation Groups: Likely supporters, as the ban protects sensitive marine habitats and reduces fossil fuel extraction.
Coastal States and Communities: Residents and businesses in Mid-Atlantic states (e.g., fishing industries, tourism operators) gain protections but may face indirect economic effects from foregone energy jobs.
Oil and Gas Industry: Companies like ExxonMobil or smaller explorers lose access to potential reserves, potentially shifting operations elsewhere and impacting investment.
Federal Government: Balances energy security with environmental stewardship; indigenous and local tribes with coastal ties may also be indirectly affected through ecosystem preservation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens federal authority over offshore resources under the OCSLA but could face challenges from industry groups arguing it unlawfully restricts economic activity or violates property rights for existing interests. It does not require compensation, as it targets future leases.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's plenary power over federal lands and waters (under the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution), avoiding states' rights issues since the area is in federal jurisdiction.
Political: Reflects partisan divides on energy policy—environmental protection versus fossil fuel development—potentially influencing future debates on climate legislation or offshore wind alternatives in the same region. As an introduced bill (referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources), its passage depends on congressional priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]

Recent Actions

2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
2025-04-10: Introduced in House
2025-04-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Defend our Coast Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (2 pages)