April 10, 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Sanders, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
To prohibit drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2025
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Sec. 2. Prohibition of oil and gas leasing in Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf
Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(q) Prohibition of oil and gas leasing in Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf
(1) Definition of Arctic
In this subsection, the term Arctic has the meaning given the term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
(2) Prohibition
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other law, the Secretary of the Interior shall not issue or extend a lease or any other authorization for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral on Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf.