# American Shores Protection Act of 2023

This bill would restrict offshore wind energy development along the U.S. coastline. Specifically, it would prohibit the federal government from issuing permits or leases for wind farms in federal waters—the ocean areas that belong to the United States but extend beyond state control. The bill essentially puts a freeze on new offshore wind projects that the government might otherwise approve.

The practical effect is that companies interested in building wind turbines in the ocean would be blocked from doing so on federal lands and waters. This matters because offshore wind is considered a major source of clean energy that could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. Supporters of the bill argue that offshore wind farms could harm fishing industries, damage marine ecosystems, or create navigation hazards. Opponents counter that blocking this energy source makes it harder to transition away from oil and gas and could slow progress on addressing climate change.

For everyday people, this could affect energy prices and availability in coastal states. If offshore wind development is prevented, those regions might rely more heavily on other energy sources, which could influence electricity costs. It could also impact jobs—both the potential new jobs in offshore wind installation and maintenance, and existing jobs in fishing and maritime industries that supporters say could be affected by wind farms. The bill essentially represents a choice about what kind of energy development America wants along its coasts.

American Shores Protection Act of 2023

Rubio, Marco

American Shores Protection Act of 2023 This bill extends a moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico through June 30, 2032, and expands the moratorium to include the South Atlantic Planning Area and the Straits of Florida Planning Area.