Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB470

Introduced
1/24/23  
Refer
1/24/23  

Caption

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would hold significant implications for state laws and environmental policy along the West Coast. It would prevent any future leasing for the exploration or production of oil and natural gas, impacting the dynamics of energy production in these regions. Supporters argue that it would enhance the protection of marine life and local communities, while also contributing to a shift towards sustainable energy sources.

Summary

House Bill 470, titled the 'West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023', aims to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently prohibit offshore drilling for oil and natural gas off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This legislative effort reflects ongoing concerns about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction in marine ecosystems and aims to safeguard coastal resources against the potential hazards of oil spills and other ecological threats related to drilling activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 470 include potential economic repercussions for local economies that depend on oil and gas industries. While proponents of the bill emphasize environmental conservation and the need to transition to renewable energy, opponents might argue that such a ban could hinder job creation and energy independence. The debate over the bill encapsulates broader discussions about balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability in energy policy.

Companion Bills

US SB22

Identical bill West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.

Previously Filed As

US SB22

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.

US HB408

This bill nullifies two presidential memoranda that were published on January 6, 2025, including (1) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (2) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Bering Sea areas of the OCS. The memoranda prohibited the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from issuing offshore leases for the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil or natural gas in those areas.This bill reverses the withdrawal to allow BOEM to issue leases in those areas.

US SB104

Overturn Biden’s Offshore Energy Ban ActThis bill nullifies two presidential memoranda that were published on January 6, 2025, including (1) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (2) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Bering Sea areas of the OCS. The memoranda prohibited the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from issuing offshore leases for the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil or natural gas in those areas.This bill reverses the withdrawal to allow BOEM to issue leases in those areas.

US HB2849

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025

US HB3978

Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act

US HB356

Unleashing American Energy Act This bill requires a minimum amount of oil and gas lease sales a year on certain submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and limits delays on federal oil and gas leases on such lands. Specifically, this bill requires the Department of the Interior to annually conduct a minimum of two region-wide oil and gas lease sales in each of the following regions of the OCS: (1) the Gulf of Mexico region in the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and (2) the Alaska region. In addition, the bill requires the President to obtain congressional approval before delaying federal oil and gas leases on the OCS.

US SB5588

A bill to prohibit drilling in the outer Continental Shelf, to prohibit coal leases on Federal land, and for other purposes.

US SB1432

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025

US HB10489

To prohibit drilling in the outer Continental Shelf, to prohibit coal leases on Federal land, and for other purposes.

US HB2862

Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.