SW Arkansas Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved S.J. Res. 11, a resolution aimed at nullifying a Bureau of Offshore Energy Management (BOEM) rule that critics argue imposes unnecessary burdens on offshore energy producers. This legislative move is intended to ease the regulations imposed during the Biden administration.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman expressed support for the resolution, stating: "Today we took another step toward rolling back the Biden administration’s draconian overregulation and ushering in a golden age of American energy dominance. I'd like to thank Senator Kennedy and Representative Ezell for championing this effort and advancing this resolution which now heads to President Trump's desk."

The BOEM rule in question required extensive archaeological reports for all offshore oil and gas exploration or development plans, which was considered redundant by some lawmakers due to existing protections under the National Historic Preservation Act. The prior "reason to believe" standard was seen as sufficient for protecting marine archaeological resources.

Having already passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, the resolution will proceed to President Trump's desk for signing into law.