Lafayette Reporter

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution led by Senator John Kennedy to reverse a rule implemented by the Biden administration that affects offshore oil and gas production. The Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval, which received bipartisan support, now awaits the president's signature.

Senator Kennedy expressed his satisfaction with the House's decision, stating, "In waging war on oil and gas producers, the Biden administration drove up prices for families and jeopardized our energy security. I am proud to see that the House passed my resolution to help bring back America’s energy dominance, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law."

Representative Mike Ezell introduced the companion resolution in the House. He commented on Congress's actions, saying, "Congress has taken a decisive step to protect American energy independence and support our workers. By overturning Biden's BOEM's overreaching rule, we are unleashing our nation’s vast resources they tried to handcuff with red tape." He added that he anticipates swift action from President Trump.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith also played a role in introducing the resolution in the Senate. She noted, “House passage of our resolution of disapproval moves us another step forward in overturning Biden’s regulatory assault on oil and gas production in the Gulf."

The background to this legislative move includes a rule published by the Biden administration on September 3, 2024. This rule requires new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit archaeological reports before drilling or laying pipelines. The regulation aims at protecting marine archaeological resources but places additional financial burdens on small oil and gas producers.

Kennedy introduced his joint resolution of disapproval on February 4, 2025. This is part of an effort against more than 225 regulations imposed by the Biden administration on the oil and natural gas industry.