The Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act would prohibit the federal government from allowing any new offshore oil and gas drilling along the Southern California coast. This aims to protect the local environment and beaches from potential oil spills and other damage caused by drilling operations.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act would prohibit the federal government from allowing any new offshore oil and gas drilling along the Southern California coast. This aims to protect the local environment and beaches from potential oil spills and other damage caused by drilling operations.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act</b></p> <p>This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil or natural gas in the Southern California planning area of the Outer Continental Shelf.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in the Southern California planning area of the Outer Continental Shelf
Prevents the Department of the Interior from issuing any new leases for oil and gas exploration, development, or production in this region
Seeks to protect the local coastal environment, beaches, and wildlife from the risks and impacts of offshore drilling
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would affect oil and gas companies that currently operate or plan to expand drilling operations off the Southern California coast. It would prevent them from obtaining new federal leases to drill in this area, limiting their ability to extract and produce oil and natural gas resources there. This would likely have an economic impact on these companies, as well as potentially on energy prices and supply in the region. However, the bill is aimed at safeguarding the local coastal communities, environment, and natural resources from the threats posed by offshore drilling.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Energy
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
3978, 119th Congress (2025). "Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3978
