Legis Daily

Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act

USA119th CongressHR-5745| House 
| Updated: 1/13/2026
Mike Ezell

Mike Ezell

Republican Representative

Mississippi

Cosponsors (5)
Barry Moore (Republican)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act" amends the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 to facilitate the conversion of inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs. This initiative aims to enhance marine fish habitat and promote commercial and recreational fishing opportunities. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for managing the decommissioning of these structures by allowing them to be "Reefed in Place" rather than fully removed. The legislation defines key terms such as "Artificial reef," "Decommissioning," and "Reef in Place," which involves abandoning, toppling, or partially removing a structure to maximize reef ecosystems while ensuring navigational safety. An "Inactive structure" is one no longer useful for operations or on an expired lease, which can become an "Eligible structure" if it hosts or could host an "Established reef ecosystem." An applicant, typically the responsible operator, can initiate the "Reef in Place" process by submitting a notice of intent. This triggers an assessment by the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to evaluate the structure's ecological value and economic benefits. If deemed eligible, a "Reef Planning Area" is designated, and final approval is granted by the Secretary of the Interior once wells are plugged, hazards removed, and liability is transferred. A crucial provision allows states with artificial reef programs to enter agreements with applicants to assume responsibility and liability for approved structures. In exchange, the state receives funds from the applicant, not exceeding 50 percent of the cost savings gained by reefing instead of full removal, unless otherwise agreed. Upon state acceptance, the applicant is relieved of all responsibility and liability, which then transfers solely to the state for continued maintenance. The bill also prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing removal orders for inactive structures during various stages of the reefing process, including the initial notice, assessment, and eligibility determination periods, up to three years post-eligibility. An exception exists if the structure poses a substantial and imminent threat to navigational safety or the marine environment. This Act explicitly preserves other existing reefing or decommissioning mechanisms and pipeline abandonment regulations.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-6814
Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act
Oct 14, 2025
Introduced in House
Oct 14, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jan 13, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-6814
    Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act


  • October 14, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • October 14, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • January 7, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • January 13, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Aquatic ecologyCongressional oversightEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesOil and gasPipelines

Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act

USA119th CongressHR-5745| House 
| Updated: 1/13/2026
The "Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act" amends the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 to facilitate the conversion of inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs. This initiative aims to enhance marine fish habitat and promote commercial and recreational fishing opportunities. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for managing the decommissioning of these structures by allowing them to be "Reefed in Place" rather than fully removed. The legislation defines key terms such as "Artificial reef," "Decommissioning," and "Reef in Place," which involves abandoning, toppling, or partially removing a structure to maximize reef ecosystems while ensuring navigational safety. An "Inactive structure" is one no longer useful for operations or on an expired lease, which can become an "Eligible structure" if it hosts or could host an "Established reef ecosystem." An applicant, typically the responsible operator, can initiate the "Reef in Place" process by submitting a notice of intent. This triggers an assessment by the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to evaluate the structure's ecological value and economic benefits. If deemed eligible, a "Reef Planning Area" is designated, and final approval is granted by the Secretary of the Interior once wells are plugged, hazards removed, and liability is transferred. A crucial provision allows states with artificial reef programs to enter agreements with applicants to assume responsibility and liability for approved structures. In exchange, the state receives funds from the applicant, not exceeding 50 percent of the cost savings gained by reefing instead of full removal, unless otherwise agreed. Upon state acceptance, the applicant is relieved of all responsibility and liability, which then transfers solely to the state for continued maintenance. The bill also prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing removal orders for inactive structures during various stages of the reefing process, including the initial notice, assessment, and eligibility determination periods, up to three years post-eligibility. An exception exists if the structure poses a substantial and imminent threat to navigational safety or the marine environment. This Act explicitly preserves other existing reefing or decommissioning mechanisms and pipeline abandonment regulations.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-6814
Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act
Oct 14, 2025
Introduced in House
Oct 14, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jan 13, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-6814
    Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act


  • October 14, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • October 14, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • January 7, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • January 13, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
Mike Ezell

Mike Ezell

Republican Representative

Mississippi

Cosponsors (5)
Barry Moore (Republican)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Aquatic ecologyCongressional oversightEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesOil and gasPipelines