🐚Removal of Marine Archaeology Protection Rule
Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources
Summary
Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress passed, and the President signed, a joint resolution disapproving the final "Protection of Marine Archaeology Resources" rule published by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on September 3, 2024. That rule required lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with any oil and gas exploration or development plan they submit to BOEM for approval of proposed activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Under the joint resolution and by operation of the Congressional Review Act, the "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources" rule has no force or effect.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Ocean Energy Management Bureau
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The disapproval of the "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources" rule means businesses engaged in oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf no longer need to submit archaeological reports for their plans, reducing compliance costs and regulatory burden. This change, effective from April 14, 2025, could have significant effects on operational timelines and project financing.