COAST Anti-Drilling Act Permanently Bans Oil Leasing in Atlantic and Florida Waters

The newly introduced Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025, or the COAST Act, is straightforward: it puts a permanent, non-negotiable stop to new offshore oil and gas leasing across a huge swath of the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Florida. This bill essentially slams the door shut on exploration, development, or production permits for oil, gas, or other minerals in four key ocean areas: North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and the Straits of Florida planning areas. The bill makes it clear that this ban supersedes any other existing law or rule, locking in protection for these coasts.

The Permanent No-Go Zone for Drilling

For anyone living or working along the eastern seaboard, this is a major piece of policy that provides long-term clarity. The bill achieves its goal by specifically referencing the boundaries laid out in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s official 2024–2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program. By tying the ban to these exact, defined geographic zones, the legislation leaves little room for ambiguity about where drilling is blocked. This isn't a temporary moratorium; it's a permanent legislative prohibition on new activities in these areas (SEC. 2).

Protecting the Coastline Economy

The most immediate impact of the COAST Act is the protection it offers to the coastal economy. Think about the small business owner in the Outer Banks, the commercial fisherman in Maine, or the hotel manager in Miami. Their livelihoods depend on clean water and healthy marine ecosystems. A permanent ban significantly reduces the risk of a catastrophic oil spill—the kind of event that can wipe out tourism and fishing industries for a decade. This legislation provides regulatory certainty, meaning coastal communities don't have to worry about a change in administration suddenly opening up their beaches to drilling rigs.

Who Feels the Pinch (and Who Benefits)

This bill offers a massive benefit to environmental protection groups, marine life, and coastal communities. For the millions of people who live, vacation, or recreate along the Atlantic, this means cleaner beaches and less risk of environmental disaster. However, this clarity comes at a cost for the fossil fuel industry. Companies involved in offshore exploration and production are permanently excluded from these four planning areas. While this might be seen as a restriction on energy development, the bill prioritizes the long-term environmental and economic stability of the coastal regions over the potential for new offshore fossil fuel extraction in these specific zones. It’s a clear policy choice favoring coastal protection and tourism over offshore mineral resource development.