SJRES-11 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

YourVoice.Now SummaryCorporate BenefitsEnvironmental ConcernsTransparency & Accountability

This resolution cancels a federal rule the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued in September 2024 to protect marine archaeological resources from damage during offshore energy operations. Congress used the Congressional Review Act to nullify the rule, leaving it with no legal force. Offshore operators conducting drilling, surveying, or other activities in federal waters are no longer required to follow the rule's archaeological protection provisions. Under the Congressional Review Act, the agency cannot issue a substantially similar rule without future congressional authorization.

Corporate Benefits

offshore energy operators — archaeological review obligations removed from offshore operations

Environmental Concerns

federal protection for marine archaeological resources in offshore energy areas

Transparency & Accountability

review requirements for archaeological site impacts at offshore energy sites

Congressional Summary

This joint resolution rescinds a requirement for lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with any oil and gas exploration or development plan they submit to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for approval of activities proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf. (An archaeological report identifies material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest.)Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies BOEM's final rule titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024.Nullifying this rule requires BOEM to reinstate regulations that were previously in effect and authorized BOEM to require an archaeological report only if a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area.

Legislative Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresArchaeology and anthropologyHistorical and cultural resourcesMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesOil and gas

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: Senate
Status: summarized
Action: Public Law
Action Date: 2025-03-14
Date Added: 2026-06-24
Source: Congress.gov →

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