Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act
Sponsored By: Representative Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework called the _Reefing in Place_ program to convert certain inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs. It aims to boost fish habitat and local fishing while setting clear steps, timelines, and rules for who pays and who holds liability.
Show full summary
- Fishers and coastal communities: Would promote reef-associated species and new fishing opportunities by keeping eligible structures in the water and evaluating ecological and economic benefits.
- Operators and applicants: Would get a defined path to elect reefing that starts with a Notice of Intent and an assessment (begin within 180 days and practicable within one year), an eligibility decision within 60 days, and an approval window that can extend up to 3 years; applicants may also withdraw and complete standard decommissioning.
- States: Would be able to accept ownership and sole liability for approved reefs and receive up to 50 percent of an applicant's cost savings, while taking on maintenance and navigation markers.
- Federal oversight and transparency: Would require consultation with NOAA, designation of Reef Planning Areas, and an annual report with a comprehensive map to Congress.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New reef-in-place approval process
If enacted, an operator could file a Notice of Intent to reef an inactive offshore structure at any time. The agency would start an assessment within 180 days and try to finish it within one year. After the assessment, the agency would have 60 days to decide if the structure is eligible and 90 days to set a reef planning area. If eligible, the operator could reef in place within three years if safety steps are done (for example, wells plugged and hydrocarbons removed) and the Secretary finds the structure sound. The bill would also limit federal removal orders during the assessment and approval windows, with an exception if a structure poses a substantial and imminent safety or environmental threat. Applicants could appeal a Director decision in writing within 60 days, and the Director would have 60 days to decide; that decision would be a final agency action subject to judicial review.
State option to assume liability
If enacted, a State with an artificial reef program could agree to take sole responsibility and liability for an approved reefed structure within one year after a reef planning area is set. The State could receive up to 50 percent of the operator's stated cost savings from reefing, if the State approves that amount, unless the operator agrees to pay more. Once a State accepts an Approved Structure, the operator would have no responsibility or liability for that structure after reefing is complete unless both agree otherwise. The State would be responsible for ongoing maintenance and any liability.
Pipeline abandonment rules preserved
If enacted, the bill would not change existing federal rules for pipeline abandonment and decommissioning. Pipelines could still be abandoned in place under current regulations. Additional permits would not be required unless a pipeline is specifically chosen for conversion to an artificial reef.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
MS • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 10/14/2025
Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]
TX • D
Sponsored 10/14/2025
Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]
LA • D
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
AL • R
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov