Bill Summary
The "Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2025" is a bill proposed to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States which aims to prohibit any drilling activities in the Arctic Ocean. It would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to add a new section that would define the term "Arctic" and explicitly forbid the Secretary of the Interior from issuing or extending any leases or authorizations for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in the Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf. This legislation is in response to the potential negative environmental and economic impacts that could result from drilling in this sensitive and biologically diverse region.
Possible Impacts
1. Tourism and recreation industry: The prohibition of drilling in the Arctic Ocean would protect the natural beauty and ecosystem of the region, making it more attractive to tourists and visitors. This could potentially lead to an increase in tourism revenue for local businesses and communities.
2. Indigenous communities: Many indigenous communities in the Arctic rely on the region's resources for their livelihood and cultural practices. The legislation could potentially protect these communities and their way of life by preventing the disruption and potential pollution caused by drilling.
3. Environmentalists and conservationists: The legislation would be seen as a victory by environmentalists and conservationists who have been advocating for the protection of the Arctic. The prohibition of drilling would help preserve the unique and fragile ecosystem of the region and prevent potential environmental disasters.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1445 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1445
To prohibit drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 10, 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Wyden, Mr.
Sanders, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
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 ``Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of
2025''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF OIL AND GAS LEASING IN ARCTIC AREAS OF THE OUTER
CONTINENTAL SHELF.
Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Prohibition of Oil and Gas Leasing in Arctic Areas of the
Outer Continental Shelf.--
``(1) Definition of arctic.--In this subsection, the term
`Arctic' has the meaning given the term in section 112 of the
Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
``(2) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Act or any other law, the Secretary of the Interior shall
not issue or extend a lease or any other authorization for the
exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or
any other mineral on Arctic areas of the outer Continental
Shelf.''.
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