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SD 788

An Act protecting our coasts from offshore drilling

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Massachusetts would ban offshore drilling in state waters and block permits, leases, and related onshore/offshore infrastructure, with rules to enforce the prohibition.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 788

Summary: Senate Bill 788 – An Act protecting our coasts from offshore drilling

Purpose

This bill seeks to prohibit offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in Massachusetts state waters, ban related exploration, development, and production activities, and prevent state agencies from supporting or enabling such activities. It also prohibits onshore activities tied to offshore drilling development and directs the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to implement the prohibition through rules and regulations.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 21A (Section 4D inserted). The bill adds a new section defining terms and establishing a statewide prohibition on offshore drilling and related activities.

  • Definitions (Section 4D(a)).

    • Development: post-discovery activities to produce resources (e.g., geophysical work, drilling, platform/pipeline construction, onshore support facilities).
    • Exploration: searching for oil/gas, including drilling wells and seismic activities (e.g., seismic air gun blasting).
    • Federal waters: waters and submerged lands seaward of Massachusetts’ state waters under federal jurisdiction.
    • New or additional exploration, development, or production: any activity increasing the capacity of pipelines or infrastructure used to convey oil/gas from federal waters.
    • Production/Producing: post-discovery activities and operations to remove, transfer, monitor, and maintain resources.

  • Statewide prohibition (Section 4D(b)). Offshore drilling for oil or gas is prohibited in state waters; no tidal or submerged lands in state waters may be leased for exploration, development, or production. All onshore activities related to offshore drilling development in Massachusetts coastal or surrounding federal waters are prohibited.

  • Prohibition on state approvals and leases (Section 4D(c)). The EEA and related offices may not issue permits, approvals, or authorizations under the Coastal Zone Management Act or other laws for:

    • Development of infrastructure or activities in state waters connected to offshore drilling or increased exploration/production (in or outside state waters);
    • Leases or conveyances authorizing drilling, infrastructure development, or exploration;
    • Renewals, extensions, or modifications of existing permits/leases/agreements for oil/gas exploration or production;
    • Any new exploration, development, or production activity in state waters, or plans related to such activities.

  • Exceptions for maintenance (Section 4D(d)). The prohibition does not apply to repairs or maintenance necessary to safely operate existing offshore infrastructure.

  • Rulemaking authority (Section 4D(e)). The EEA is required to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and enforce the section.

Who/what is affected

  • State agencies and activities in state waters: Prohibits permitting, leasing, and approvals related to offshore drilling and associated infrastructure.
  • Onshore and offshore infrastructure: Prohibits development or expansion tied to offshore drilling in Massachusetts coastal waters and surrounding federal waters.
  • Regulatory framework: Requires the EEA to establish enforcement rules.
  • Existing operations: Allows repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure necessary for safe operation.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced and filed January 14, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 788).
  • Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (February 27, 2025).
  • House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • No specific effective date or phase-in provided in the text; implementation would rely on subsequent rulemaking by the EEA.

Potential impact

  • Strengthens Massachusetts’ stance against offshore drilling by legally barring drilling in state waters and blocking related permits, leases, and infrastructure development.
  • Could affect any future federal offshore leasing activities adjacent to Massachusetts coastlines by depriving state-level authorization pathways.
  • Establishes a regulatory framework for enforcement through EEA rules, with a focus on preventing offshore drilling development and ensuring any existing infrastructure remains only for safe operation.
  • Likely considerations for energy stakeholders, coastal communities, environmental groups, and the broader offshore energy policy landscape.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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