U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins Congressman for Louisiana 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins Congressman for Louisiana 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
On January 17, 2025, three Republican congressmen introduced a bill aimed at overturning President Biden's recent offshore drilling ban. Congressman Clay Higgins from Louisiana, alongside Texas Representatives Wesley Hunt and Randy Weber, presented H.R. 513, known as the Offshore Lands Authorities Act.
Congressman Higgins stated, "For decades, Democrats have opposed the American oil and gas industry. Their policies have increased costs for our families and threatened American energy jobs. The disastrous term of Biden is over, and his drilling ban will not stand. Our legislation protects American energy production, restores Congressional oversight, and places guardrails on future land withdrawals."
Congressman Hunt added his perspective: "For the past four years, Biden has crushed Americans’ access to affordable, abundant energy. This legislation blocks Biden’s last attempt to destroy offshore oil and gas production. With President Trump’s mandate to Make America Great Again, Congress must lead—and this is just the beginning."
Weber emphasized the importance of reversing current policies: "From day one, Joe Biden has been on a crusade to kill offshore oil and gas... Enabling President Trump authority to reverse Biden’s reckless policies is not just a necessity—it’s essential for restoring America’s energy strength and securing our future."
Holly Hopkins from API praised the move: “Our nation’s vast offshore resources are a critical source of affordable energy... We applaud Rep. Higgins for introducing legislation to reverse this politically motivated decision and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing.”
Erik Milito from the National Ocean Industries Association supported the initiative by saying: “Nullifying politically motivated withdrawals from President Biden... reinforces Congressional oversight over America’s energy destiny."
The proposed act seeks to revoke prior presidential directives that removed significant acreage from potential development while setting new guidelines for future withdrawals. It also requires congressional approval for large-scale land removals exceeding certain thresholds.
The bill has garnered support from several other Republican representatives who co-sponsored it.
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