COAST Anti-Drilling Act

Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act

This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from authorizing the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil, natural gas, or other minerals in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf along the Atlantic Coast. Specifically, the prohibition applies to the Mid-Atlantic planning area, the South Atlantic planning area, the North Atlantic planning area, and the Straits of Florida.

The COAST Anti-Drilling Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1320, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to prohibit oil and gas drilling off the coast of the United States.

The bill aims to protect the environment and coastal communities from the potential negative impacts of offshore drilling, such as oil spills and pollution. It also seeks to preserve marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats that could be harmed by drilling activities.

If passed, the COAST Anti-Drilling Act would prevent the Department of the Interior from issuing leases for oil and gas exploration and drilling in certain areas of the Outer Continental Shelf. It would also prohibit the construction of new infrastructure, such as pipelines and drilling platforms, in these areas. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard the environment and coastal economies from the risks associated with offshore drilling. They believe that investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that restricting offshore drilling could have negative economic consequences, such as job losses in the oil and gas industry. They also argue that domestic energy production is important for national security and energy independence. Overall, the COAST Anti-Drilling Act is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate between environmental protection and economic interests in the United States.