Joint Resolution Passed in the Senate on February 25, 2025 · 54 Yea, 44 Nay, 2 Not Voting
Question: On the Joint Resolution S.J.Res. 11
In plain English: Congress is voting to block a new rule that would require oil and gas companies to report potential ancient underwater artifacts before exploring or developing offshore areas. This rule would have expanded previous requirements for such reports.
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024. The rule requires operators and lessees conducting oil and gas exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf and that are seeking BOEM approval for such activities to also provide BOEM with an archaeological report for the area of potential effects. The report must identify potential archaeologi…