This bill, the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2025, would add a new subsection to section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. It defines "Arctic" by cross-reference to the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 and says the Secretary of the Interior may not issue or extend any lease or other authorization for exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral on Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf.
If this bill becomes law, federal officials could not approve new or extended federal leases or other authorizations for oil, natural gas, or other mineral activities in Arctic outer Continental Shelf areas. The bill text does not list specific next steps or a timeline for existing permits.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include cost estimates or funding provisions.
The bill was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley, Edward Markey, Richard Blumenthal, Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Peter Welch. No publicly available information in the bill text states their specific reasons.
No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' views or arguments.