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House subcommittee hears competing views on bill to codify rigs-to-reefs conversions
Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses debated H.R. 5745, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, at a House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing. Proponents said codifying the rigs-to-reefs process protects marine habitat and coastal economies; opponents warned it could shift cleanup liabilities and impede coastal restoration.
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources heard testimony on H.R. 5745, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, during a January hearing that drew sharply divergent views on converting decommissioned offshore oil and gas infrastructure into permanent artificial reefs.
Sponsor Representative Michael Ezell (R–MS) told the panel the bill “allows for their responsible conversion into artificial reefs, preserving habitat and strengthening coastal economies that rely on healthy fisheries.” Chair Stauber said the measure would codify and streamline existing state programs and make the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) the federal lead to reduce duplicative reviews. He said, “This bill will deliver a strong win for Gulf states and marine ecosystems.”
Supporters — including state officials and fishing-interest groups — argued artificial reefs provide hard substrate where natural bottom habitat is scarce, boost local fishing…
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