H.R.674 - Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 674, the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025, aims to prohibit commercial offshore wind energy development in Lobster Management Area 1 in the Gulf of Maine. The bill cites the historical and economic importance of the New England fishing industry, particularly lobster fishing. It also mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess the environmental review processes for offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would prevent the issuance of leases, licenses, permits, or other authorizations for commercial offshore wind energy development in Lobster Management Area 1. This could preserve the fishing grounds in that area but may also hinder the development of renewable energy sources.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of traditional fishing grounds and the associated economic benefits for the New England fishing industry.
- Protection of marine ecosystems within Lobster Management Area 1 from potential negative impacts of wind energy development.
- Support for communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
- Ensuring the long-term viability of lobster and other fisheries in the Gulf of Maine.
- Increased scrutiny of environmental review processes for offshore wind projects through the Comptroller General's study.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential hindrance to the development of renewable energy sources and the transition away from fossil fuels.
- Possible negative impacts on efforts to combat climate change by limiting wind energy development.
- Increased energy costs if renewable energy sources are limited.
- Potential conflicts with federal energy policy and goals.
- May set a precedent for restricting renewable energy development in other areas.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by managing resources within U.S. waters. However, the bill's impact on interstate commerce and energy policy could raise questions about the balance of federal and state powers. The required environmental review study aligns with the government's responsibility to consider the environmental impact of its actions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).