Bill > S569

This bill aims to comprehensively prohibit offshore drilling activities in Massachusetts state waters and create significant restrictions on related infrastructure development. The legislation defines key terms such as "exploration" (searching for oil and natural gas through activities like seismic blasting), "development" (activities following resource discovery including drilling and pipeline construction), and "production" (activities related to removing and processing oil and natural gas). The bill explicitly bans offshore drilling in state waters, prohibits leasing of tidal or submerged lands for oil and natural gas purposes, and prevents the executive office of energy and environmental affairs from issuing permits, approvals, or authorizations for any offshore drilling-related infrastructure or activities. The bill does allow for maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure to ensure safe operations, and requires the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to develop rules and regulations to implement these restrictions. By targeting both state waters and potential supporting onshore activities, the legislation seeks to create a comprehensive barrier to offshore drilling expansion in Massachusetts, with the apparent goal of protecting coastal environments and preventing potential environmental risks associated with oil and natural gas exploration and production.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S569