Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act

The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act aims to formalize and expand the Rigs-to-Reefs program, which allows energy companies to repurpose decommissioned offshore infrastructure as artificial reefs. Instead of requiring the total removal of retired oil and gas platforms, the bill would establish clear procedures and timelines for evaluating whether these structures have developed into vibrant marine ecosystems. If a platform is found to support significant reef organisms, the bill would provide additional time and flexibility for state and federal agencies to convert it into a permanent habitat rather than dismantling it.

If enacted, the legislation would require the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to coordinate with coastal states to designate specific Reef Planning Areas. It would also mandate the creation of maps identifying idle structures that currently support reef ecosystems and require annual reports to Congress on the progress of reefing applications. To ensure environmental safety, the bill maintains strict requirements that all associated oil and gas wells must be permanently plugged and sealed, just as they would be during a standard decommissioning process.