S.J. Res. 11 · Signed into law · Public Lands and Natural Resources

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".

Sponsor: John Kennedy (R-LA)

What it does

• Nullify the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's September 2024 rule requiring oil and gas operators on the Outer Continental Shelf to submit archaeological reports for areas of potential effects.
• Restore the prior regulatory standard under which archaeological reports are required only when a BOEM regional director has reason to believe archaeological resources may be present in a lease area.
• Eliminate the requirement for operators to identify material remains of human activity at least 50 years old that are of archaeological interest on the sea floor.

Official summary

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024. The rule requires operators and lessees conducting oil and gas exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf and that are seeking BOEM approval for such activities to also provide BOEM with an archaeological report for the area of potential effects. The report must identify potential archaeological resources (material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest) on the sea floor. The rule modified regulations that only required such a report when a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area.

Latest action

Mar 14, 2025: Became Public Law No: 119-3.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources