This bill would permanently ban oil and natural gas drilling in Arctic Ocean waters off the U.S. coast. It amends federal law to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing or renewing any leases or permits for oil, gas, or mineral exploration and development in designated Arctic areas of the outer Continental Shelf. The legislation affects oil and gas companies, energy producers, and any future federal leasing programs in these Arctic regions. The bill does not include specific funding requirements or implementation timelines, as it operates primarily as a legal prohibition. Introduced by Senator Merkley and co-sponsored by several progressive senators, the bill reflects environmental concerns about drilling impacts in the Arctic.
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