The Offshore Parity Act of 2026 would expand the offshore management authority of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by allowing these states to manage oil, gas, and fisheries in waters extending from 3 miles to 3 marine leagues (approximately 9 miles) from their coastlines. States that submit written requests within five years of the law's enactment and demonstrate they have adequate resources and will faithfully administer federal regulations could receive delegated authority to grant and manage energy leases in these expanded waters. The states would collect their own revenues from new leases granted after the law takes effect, though they would remain responsible for any legal liabilities related to lease management and must ensure existing federal leases are protected. The bill also expands state fisheries jurisdiction in these same extended waters while preserving federal authority over highly migratory species, endangered species, and matters involving national security or international treaties. No specific federal funding is authorized in the legislation, and states have a five-year window from enactment to request this expanded management authority.
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