Offshore Drilling Fact Sheet
ResourceEnergy, Oceans
Download Resource
Point of Contact
Policy Models
Bans
State legislators opposed to offshore drilling can introduce outright bans preventing drilling within state waters.
- Active Legislation: Connecticut (S.B.8), Florida (H.B. 283), Hawaii (H.B.1227, S.B.1006, S.B. 370), Massachusetts (S.D.1707), South Carolina (S.B.0119).
- Enacted Legislation: California (S.B.834, A.B.1775), Delaware (S.B. 200), Maine (L.D. 955), New Hampshire (S.B.76), New Jersey (A.839), New York (A.2572), Oregon (S.B.256), Virginia (HB 706; SB 795).
Restrictions
State legislators opposed to offshore drilling can also introduce other types of legislation to block new and existing offshore drilling, like restrictions on seismic testing or strict liability laws.
- Active Legislation: Alaska (HB 33), Connecticut (H.B.5625), South Carolina (H.B.3935).
- Enacted Legislation: Maryland (H.B.1456).
Resolutions
State legislatures can issue resolutions documenting their opposition to offshore drilling in federal waters. These resolutions influence the federal government’s policy and actions.
Quarterly Impact Report
Quarterly Impact Report – June 2026
The Economic Effects of Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Southern Environmental Law Center study which documents the impact of offshore drilling in the South Atlantic.
Oil Spill Incident Map - NOAA
Map detailing the location of every oil spill and incident where NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration provided scientific support for the response.
Subscribe to the National Environmental Caucus Newsletter
Stay up to date on upcoming events, opportunities to expand your network, and the latest environmental policy trends from across the U.S.
