{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1945", "Ezell Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Turn Offshore Oil Rigs into Artificial Reefs", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA-01), and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) introduced the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act. This bipartisan bill promotes environmental conservation and responsible decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of America. The legislation establishes a clear, efficient pathway for converting retired oil rigs into artificial reefs\u2014preserving marine habitats, supporting the fishing industry, and reducing decommissioning costs.\n\n\u201cAt its core, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection program is a simple yet powerful idea,\u201d Ezell said. \u201cInstead of tearing down structures that have become vibrant marine ecosystems, we can repurpose them to benefit the environment, fishermen, and taxpayers alike. As someone who has fished in the Gulf my entire life, I can tell you that the best fishing is always near these rigs. When we remove them entirely, we\u2019re not just losing a structure\u2014we\u2019re destroying entire ecosystems. This bill is a no-brainer for coastal communities, sportsmen, and marine life alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cConverting decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs helps marine species thrive and provides recreational and commercial fishers greater access to the incredible resources the Gulf of America has to offer,\" House Natural Resources Chairman Westerman said. \"I\u2019d like to thank Rep. Ezell for his work to support Gulf of America communities and marine ecosystems.\u201d\n\n\"The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act is a smart, science-backed solution that turns yesterday\u2019s energy infrastructure into tomorrow\u2019s marine sanctuaries,\" Carter said. \"By transforming retired offshore platforms into artificial reefs, we\u2019re preserving critical habitat for Gulf marine life, promoting biodiversity, and supporting our recreational and commercial fishermen. This bipartisan legislation shows that energy policy and environmental stewardship don\u2019t have to be at odds. When done responsibly, Rigs-to-Reefs is a win for conservation, a win for coastal communities, and a win for the future of the Gulf.\"\n\n\u201cToday, I\u2019m proud to co-lead the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act with my colleagues Congressmen Ezell and Carter,\u201d Veasey said. \u201cOur legislation will help create a pathway for more rig conversions and bolster the overall program that is repurposing out-of-service offshore oil and natural gas production platforms into thriving areas for aquatic wildlife.\u201d\n\n\u201cOffshore oil and gas platforms are the catalyst for teeming reef fish communities and offer recreational anglers consistent, reliable fishing destinations,\u201d Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation (CSF), said. \u201cFar more than fish attractors, the value they provide for enhancing marine productivity and biodiversity is well documented, but they are quickly disappearing. We very much appreciate Representatives Ezell, Veasey, and Carter for their leadership to ensure we have the best opportunity to preserve these fishing meccas for future generations.\u201d\n\n\"Turning decommissioned oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs supports diverse marine ecosystems and biodiversity, offering increased opportunities for recreational fishing and tourism,\" Jason Schratwieser, President of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), said. \u201cThese structures create crucial habitats for marine life and the IGFA views the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act as a win-win-win for our domestic energy industry, sustainable fisheries, and the marine ecosystems that we rely on.\"\n\n\u201cThere is arguably no fish habitat type as popular and productive as offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of America,\u201d Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association, said. \u201cThe Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act is a well-crafted solution to ensure these structures safely remain in place to continue providing ecosystem benefits that support the nation\u2019s recreational fishing industry.\u201d\n\nOffshore platforms in the Gulf have long served as thriving habitats for marine life. The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act allows oil and gas operators to work with state and federal agencies to leave appropriate structures in place, turning them into permanent artificial reefs. This process helps mitigate the environmental impact of full platform removal while conserving vital fishing grounds.\n\nThe bill also includes safeguards to ensure reefing is conducted responsibly and in partnership with environmental and regulatory agencies.\n\nKey Benefits of the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act:\n\nProtects Marine Ecosystems: Converts offshore platforms into long-term artificial reefs, enhancing biodiversity.\n\nSupports Coastal Economies: Preserves key fishing areas relied on by commercial and recreational fishermen.\n\nReduces Costs: Offers oil and gas companies a cost-effective and environmentally sound alternative to full platform removal.\n\nStrengthens Public-Private Partnerships: Encourages collaboration between industry and environmental agencies.\n\nThis legislation underscores a growing recognition that energy infrastructure, when responsibly repurposed, can play a pivotal role in marine conservation and sustainable coastal economies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1945"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.373589038848877, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}