Offshore Parity Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
Introduced
Summary
gives Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama control over expanded submerged lands and energy revenues out to 3 marine leagues. This bill would also let those states oversee fisheries in that zone if they meet specified conditions within five years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More fisheries control for Gulf states
If enacted, this bill would give Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi fisheries authority to 3 marine leagues seaward of their coast lines as those coasts exist the day before enactment. The States would manage many inshore fishing rules in that extended area. The bill would preserve Federal authority over highly migratory species, endangered species, international fishery obligations, the exclusive economic zone beyond the extended State waters, and activities tied to national security.
State control of offshore leases
If enacted, this bill would define each State's "expanded submerged land" as the Outer Continental Shelf area between 3 geographical miles and 3 marine leagues from the coast line as it exists the day before enactment. If a covered State asks within 5 years, the Interior Secretary would be able to delegate to that State the authority to grant and manage leases in that expanded area, if the State can show it has resources, will follow rules, and will not unduly burden lessees. A delegated State could set and collect rentals, royalties, and other sums for leases it grants after enactment and those State leases would not have to follow some Federal minimum bid and royalty rules. The State would have to indemnify the United States for certain legal claims tied to older leases, and the Secretary must transfer surety bonds for pre-enactment leases to the State within 90 days or make sure decommissioning is done under Federal law.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
MS • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Sponsored 4/28/2026
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 4/28/2026
Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
AL • D
Sponsored 4/28/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov