Bill Summary
This legislation, titled the "Preserving the Gulf Test Range to Ensure Military Readiness Act," proposes a moratorium on energy development in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico in order to protect military missions and national security. This moratorium would be in effect from the date of enactment until June 30, 2032. The Secretary of the Interior would not be allowed to offer leases or engage in any related activities for energy development in specific areas, including those east of the Military Mission Line and those identified as having a negative impact on national security or military readiness by the Department of Defense. However, there are exceptions for environmental conservation purposes. The Secretary of Defense is also required to submit reports on the impact of energy development in certain areas on national security and military readiness.
Possible Impacts
1. Some people living in the Gulf of Mexico may be affected by the moratorium on energy development in certain areas. This could impact their livelihoods if they rely on the energy sector for their income.
2. The Department of Defense may be affected by this legislation as it limits their ability to conduct military operations in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. This could potentially impact their readiness and testing capabilities.
3. Environmental conservation groups may be affected as the Secretary has the discretion to issue leases in the restricted areas for conservation purposes. This could potentially limit their ability to advocate for stricter environmental protections in these areas.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8980 Introduced in House (IH)]
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117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8980
To establish a moratorium on energy development in certain areas of the
Gulf of Mexico, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 22, 2022
Mr. Waltz (for himself, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Mast, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr.
Posey, Mr. Donalds, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Gimenez, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Rutherford,
Mr. Bilirakis, Mrs. Cammack, Mr. C. Scott Franklin of Florida, and Mr.
Webster of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee
on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a moratorium on energy development in certain areas of the
Gulf of Mexico, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Preserving the Gulf Test Range to
Ensure Military Readiness Act''.
SEC. 2. MORATORIUM ON ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN CERTAIN AREAS OF GULF OF
MEXICO.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Military mission line.--The term ``Military Mission
Line'' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331
note; Public Law 109-432).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(b) Moratorium.--Effective during the period beginning on the date
of enactment of this Act and ending on June 30, 2032, the Secretary
shall not offer for leasing, preleasing, or any related activity for
energy development of any kind--
(1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf
of Mexico; or
(2) any area of the outer Continental Shelf described in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) of subsection
(d), if oil, gas, wind, or any other form of energy
exploration, leasing, or development in that area has been
identified in a report under that subsection as having any
adverse effect on the national security of the United States or
the military readiness or testing capabilities of the
Department of Defense.
(c) Environmental Exceptions.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the
Secretary may issue leases in areas described in that subsection for
environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore
protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration,
and habitat protection.
(d) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and not later than June 30, 2031, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations and Armed Services of the Senate and the
Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the impact of oil, gas,
wind, and any other form of energy exploration, leasing, or
development in areas of the outer Continental Shelf described
in paragraph (2) on the national security of the United States
and the military readiness and testing capabilities of the
Department of Defense.
(2) Areas described.--The areas of the outer Continental
Shelf referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:
(A) Any area west of the Military Mission Line in
the Gulf of Mexico.
(B) The South Atlantic Planning Area.
(C) The Straits of Florida Planning Area.
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