House · SJRES 11 · 119th Congress
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".
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Summary
This resolution cancels a federal rule that required oil and gas companies to submit reports identifying possible underwater archaeological sites before drilling on the ocean floor. The rule applied to companies seeking approval for work on the Outer Continental Shelf. Canceling it returns to the old standard, which only required such reports when officials had a specific reason to suspect a site was nearby.
In Favor
Removing the blanket survey rule cuts real costs and delays for offshore energy projects. A risk-based system targets reviews where officials have actual reason to act, using regulatory resources more efficiently. That approach speeds up permitting without abandoning oversight, and it keeps energy development moving while still allowing inspections when evidence supports them.
Against
The cancelled rule made sure companies looked for underwater historical sites before drilling, not after damage was done. Without it, companies only have to act when officials already suspect something is there. That puts the burden on regulators to flag problems first, and it raises the chance that unknown sites get destroyed before anyone checks.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This resolution cancels a federal rule that required oil and gas operators to submit archaeological reports before getting approval for offshore drilling activities.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay on topic, focusing entirely on removing the one marine archaeological resources rule issued by BOEM in September 2024.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Oil and gas operators working on the Outer Continental Shelf face fewer reporting duties if this resolution takes effect. BOEM loses its authority to enforce the canceled rule.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill removes a rule that required operators to pay for and prepare archaeological reports covering the sea floor area around proposed drilling sites. No dollar amounts or cost estimates appear in the sources.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Carrying out this resolution requires no new agency action, but the older, narrower reporting standard would return, applying only when a regional director already suspects an archaeological resource is present.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026