What does Preamble of Offshore Parity Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide for the delegation of authority to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to manage certain expanded submerged lands, and for other purposes,' proposes amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The bill aims to delegate authority to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama regarding the management of certain expanded submerged lands.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Offshore Parity Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Offshore Parity Act of 2026.

What does PURPOSES. of Offshore Parity Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to provide equity to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama regarding their seaward boundaries in the Gulf of America. The Act delegates management of submerged lands from 3 geographical miles to 3 marine leagues to these states, contingent on meeting certain conditions within 5 years of enactment. The states are required to protect the rights of lessees, operators, and holders of leases, easements, rights-of-use, and rights-of-way on the submerged land. The Act intends to improve fisheries management by allowing Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to oversee fisheries in the expanded boundaries.

What does DELEGATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF OIL, GAS, AND OTHER ENERGY of Offshore Parity Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to allow the Secretary of the Interior to delegate authority to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama regarding the management of oil, gas, and other energy activities on their expanded submerged land. The 'expanded submerged land' is defined as the area between 3 nautical miles and 3 marine leagues seaward of each state's coastline as of the day before the Offshore Parity Act of 2026's enactment. A state must request this delegation in writing within five years of the Offshore Parity Act of 2026's enactment. The Secretary's delegation is contingent on finding that the state will provide adequate resources, demonstrate effective administration, and that the delegation won't create an unreasonable burden on lessees. States receiving delegated authority are exempt from preparing oil and gas leasing programs under section 18. States can collect rentals, royalties, and other sums from leases granted after the Offshore Parity Act of 2026's enactment, and minimum bid and royalty amounts under section 8 do not apply. Certain provisions, including citizen suits (section 23) and revenue disposition rules (sections 9 and 105), will not apply to leases granted by the state after the Offshore Parity Act of 2026's enactment. States are required to indemnify the United States for liabilities arising from the delegation or lease management. Surety bonds for existing leases must be transferred to the state within 90 days of delegation. Section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act is amended to define the 'seaward boundary' for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as 3 marine leagues seaward of their coastlines.

What does STATE JURISDICTION UNDER MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION of Offshore Parity Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 306(a)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The amendment extends state jurisdiction over fishery resources to 3 marine leagues seaward of the coastline for Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The definition of 'coast line' refers to the definition in the Submerged Lands Act. The amendments do not limit federal authority regarding highly migratory species, endangered species, or resources subject to international agreements. Federal jurisdiction is maintained over the exclusive economic zone and activities within extended state waters related to national security or international obligations.

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Offshore Parity Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/28/2026 · Introduced: 4/28/2026

Author: Mike Ezell (R-MS)

TL;DR (AI)

The Offshore Parity Act of 2026 delegates authority to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to manage oil, gas, and other energy activities on submerged lands extending up to 3 marine leagues seaward of their coastlines.
This bill extends state jurisdiction over fishery resources to 3 marine leagues seaward of the coastlines of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, as defined by the Submerged Lands Act.
States receiving delegated authority are permitted to collect rentals, royalties, and other sums from leases granted after the Act's enactment, while also being required to indemnify the United States for liabilities arising from the delegation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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