Bill Scraps New Rule Protecting Underwater Archaeological Sites: Protections for Marine Cultural Heritage Rolled Back

This bill straight-up cancels a recent rule by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) designed to protect marine archaeological resources. Published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 71160), this now-nullified rule was all about safeguarding historical and cultural artifacts found underwater. By disapproving this rule, the bill removes those protections, effective immediately.

Deep-Sixing Cultural Protection

The now-defunct BOEM rule was put in place to make sure that things like shipwrecks and submerged historical sites weren't disturbed or destroyed by ocean energy projects. Think of a construction crew accidentally running a bulldozer through an unmarked cemetery—except this is underwater. The rule required surveys and precautions to avoid such mishaps. This bill removes that requirement. For a business owner, imagine the city council removing zoning laws; it might speed up your expansion, but it could also wreck the neighborhood.

Real-World Reef-percussions

Without these protections, offshore activities like oil and gas exploration or seabed mining could unknowingly damage or destroy irreplaceable historical sites. For instance, a fishing trawler might unintentionally drag its nets across a centuries-old shipwreck, or a pipeline installation could disturb a site of cultural significance to Indigenous communities. These aren't just abstract concerns; they're real possibilities with real-world consequences. The bill doesn’t offer any alternative protections, leaving a significant gap in safeguarding our underwater heritage.

Rough Seas Ahead?

While the bill might streamline some offshore development by reducing red tape—potentially cutting costs for companies—it also introduces major risks. Imagine a small business owner suddenly finding out their shop is on a historically significant site, facing immediate closure without any regulatory process. This bill creates a similar kind of uncertainty, but for the ocean. The removal of these protections could lead to long-term losses that outweigh any short-term gains, especially in terms of cultural and historical value. It also sets a precedent: What other environmental or cultural protections might be on the chopping block?