The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is planning to review a list of bills this week, including legislation to block offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, expand seabed mining on the outer continental shelf and allow more motorized vehicles on public lands.
The hearing will follow a markup last week in which Democrats once again complained about the pace of committee work. Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah) said, “We’re doing our best to move things forward.”
The Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee agenda includes a push from Florida lawmakers to shield their shores from the Trump administration’s proposed offshore leasing expansion.
Republican Sen. Ashley Moody’s S. 3082, the “American Shores Protection Act of 2025,” would codify a moratorium issued under the first Trump administration, barring drilling in the eastern Gulf through 2032. Republican Sen. Rick Scott is a co-sponsor.
