Wicker cosponsors GOP-led bill to retain federal Gulf of Mexico leases

Just as the Biden administration acts to end future oil and gas production on federal lands and waters, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) joined several Republicans to introduce legislation that would ensure American energy producers retain access to critical energy reservoirs on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico.

“The Gulf of Mexico’s bountiful natural resources have been a cornerstone in the resurgence of American energy independence,” Sen. Wicker said. “Revenues generated from federal leases have also supported a multitude of critical conservation and restoration projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” 

The Conservation Funding Protection Act, S. 69, introduced on Jan. 27 by Sen. Wicker and bill sponsor U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and six other cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Steve Daines (R-MT), aims to protect jobs, energy exploration, and conservation initiatives along the Gulf Coast, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s office.

“The Conservation Funding Protection Act would ensure our valuable resources are managed responsibly and enable states to continue investing in projects that will sustain their coastlines for generations to come,” said Sen. Wicker, whose office noted that energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf generates funding for conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane preparedness, wetland mitigation, and public lands maintenance efforts.

If enacted, S. 69 would require at least two area-wide lease sales per year on available acreage in the western and central Gulf of Mexico, and would require the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to establish a schedule for lease sales on the Outer Continental Shelf; the number of lease sales the department is required to hold would not be mandated, according to the summary.

Additionally, the bill would maintain all current environmental laws; ensure that the U.S. Department of the Interior conducts the environmental reviews required by law within clear timeframes; and would not alter environmental regulations for lease sales, rig operations or exploration, the summary says.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for consideration.