President Donald Trump has signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution into law, overturning a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) rule that placed new restrictions on offshore oil and gas production.
“Burdensome regulations hurt oil and gas producers’ ability to provide affordable energy and jobs to Americans,” said Kennedy. “I’m thankful to President Trump for taking the handcuffs off energy producers by signing my resolution into law.”
The resolution, co-sponsored by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), aims to remove regulatory hurdles for energy production in the outer continental shelf.
“President Trump promised to restore America’s energy might, and by signing these resolutions of disapproval, he helps Congress reset policy in a way that encourages offshore oil and gas production,” said Hyde-Smith. “This action has greater staying power, as any future administration would find it more difficult to reinstate the misguided regulations imposed during the Biden years.”
Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of the repeal for American energy security.
“This is a great day for American energy independence and for the hardworking men and women who power our nation,” said Ezell. “The Biden administration’s misguided rule was a disaster for our energy producers, driving up costs for families and making us more reliant on foreign adversaries. By overturning this rule, we are unleashing American energy and ensuring a stronger, more secure future.”
Background on the Repealed BOEM Rule
- On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration introduced a rule requiring all new offshore oil and gas leaseholders to submit an archaeological report to BOEM before drilling or laying pipelines.
- The rule imposed costly surveys for potential marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or cultural artifacts, replacing BOEM’s previous policy that required such surveys only when there was “reason to believe” a resource may be present.
- The administration acknowledged the rule would disproportionately harm small oil and gas producers, stating, “100 percent of the increased Gulf of [America] compliance cost . . . would be borne by operators that are small entities.” These small and independent operators account for one-third of all oil production in the Gulf.
Legislative Timeline
- Feb. 4, 2025 – Kennedy introduced his CRA joint resolution of disapproval.
- Feb. 25, 2025 – The Senate passed the resolution.
- March 6, 2025 – The House of Representatives passed the resolution.
- March 17, 2025 – President Trump signed the resolution into law.
With the repeal in place, offshore energy producers can continue operations without the added regulatory burden, reinforcing efforts to enhance U.S. energy production and economic growth.