Offshore oil rig with mountains in background.

Senate votes to overturn Biden-era offshore drilling rule

A group of Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Tuesday to nullify a Biden administration rule requiring oil and gas companies to conduct archaeological studies before offshore drilling.

Garrett Downs and Kelsey Brugger report for POLITICO.

In short:

The Senate voted 54-44 to overturn an Interior Department rule meant to protect shipwrecks and cultural sites from drilling-related damage.
Democratic Senators John Hickenlooper, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jacky Rosen joined Republicans, arguing the rule added unnecessary bureaucracy.
With a Republican-led House and President Donald Trump likely to approve, the measure is expected to become law.

Key quote:

“It feels like there’s more paperwork without significant benefit. Democrats don’t like red tape any more than Republicans.”

— Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.)

Why this matters:

The Senate's decision to overturn a Biden-era rule on offshore drilling reflects a broader push to ease restrictions on fossil fuel development, even as environmental concerns loom. The rule, which required oil and gas companies to conduct archaeological studies before drilling, was designed to protect shipwrecks and other cultural heritage sites. Critics, including some Democrats who joined Republicans in the vote, argued that it created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Beyond the immediate implications for offshore drilling, this rollback is part of a larger pattern of Republican-led efforts to weaken environmental regulations. With Congress actively targeting other energy and climate policies, the move raises questions about the future of environmental oversight.

Learn more: Trump faces lawsuit over offshore drilling expansion

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Senate votes to overturn Biden-era offshore drilling rule

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