119-HR-8542 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — H.R. 8542, the Offshore Parity Act of 2026

Headline Summary: Give Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama the same near‑shore management zone (about 9 nautical miles) that Texas and Florida already have—shifting day‑to‑day control over energy and fisheries closer to those states, with federal rules still applying farther offshore. [1]U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement — BSEE — State Jurisdiction

What It Does: The bill directs the Interior Department to delegate management of oil, gas, and other energy activities to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in a band of waters from 3 nautical miles out to 3 marine leagues (about 9 nautical miles), upon a qualifying state request; it also aligns state fisheries management to that extended line. Existing federal authority would continue beyond state waters (the Exclusive Economic Zone), and federal responsibilities for highly migratory and endangered species would remain. In short, it seeks to match the special 9‑mile state boundary long recognized for Texas and Florida on the Gulf coast. [2]Office of Rep. Shomari Figures — Press release: Figures, Ezell, Carter, Higgins…

• Who’s For It: Sponsors and backers say it’s about fairness, local control, and economic benefits for coastal communities. The bill is led by Reps. Mike Ezell (R‑MS), Shomari Figures (D‑AL), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D‑LA), and Clay Higgins (R‑LA). [2]Office of Rep. Shomari Figures — Press release: Figures, Ezell, Carter, Higgins…
• Regional coverage highlights the “parity” goal after decades of different state boundaries in the Gulf. [3]Saving Seafood (reposting National Fisherman) — Gulf states push for offshore p…

• Who’s Against It: As of now, no formal, bill‑specific opposition statement is prominent in committee materials. However, national environmental organizations and some Democratic lawmakers generally oppose expanding offshore oil and gas activity, warning about spill risks, climate impacts, and reduced federal safeguards; they have recently pushed to limit new offshore leasing, including in parts of the Gulf. [4]House Natural Resources Committee (Democrats) — Letter/press: Lawmakers and gro…

What’s Next: H.R. 8542 was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee on April 28, 2026, and to its Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries on May 29, 2026. A legislative hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in 1324 Longworth House Office Building. [5]trackbill.com