Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Stop Offshore Drilling in New England

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has come together to introduce a bill aimed at protecting ocean and coastal resources by putting a stop to drilling off the coast of New England. Led by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the group announced the introduction of the New England Coastal Protection Act, which seeks to ban offshore drilling along the region’s coast.

The bill, cosponsored by senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), has also found support in the House with Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI) introducing companion legislation.

In a statement, Markey emphasized the importance of protecting Massachusetts coasts from the potentially disastrous effects of offshore drilling, stating, “It’s time to say goodbye to the Oil-igarchy.” The senators believe that expanding drilling in the Atlantic would not only harm New England’s key industries but also increase the risk of environmental disasters in the region.

According to NOAA Fisheries, ocean and coastal industries generate over $17.5 billion in New England annually, with tourism, fishing, and recreation playing significant roles. Whitehouse highlighted the potential negative impact of offshore drilling on Rhode Island’s coastal economy and environment, vowing to do everything in his power to prevent it.

Blumenthal expressed concern over President Trump’s efforts to benefit Big Oil at the expense of New England’s economies and environments. He believes that the new bill is a necessary and bold step to safeguard waterways for future generations and prevent further offshore drilling.

Hassan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to protect New Hampshire’s coastal communities from the risks associated with coastal drilling. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that offshore oil and gas extraction remains off-limits in the region.

The push to ban offshore drilling in New England comes amidst the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s plan to hold the next scheduled oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America in June 2025. Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Interior is working on revising its oil and gas leasing program, with only three lease sales planned up to 2029.