H.R. 674: Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025

The Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to prohibit commercial offshore wind energy development in a specific area known as Lobster Management Area 1, located in the Gulf of Maine. The provisions of the bill can be summarized as follows:

1. Title and Purpose

This Act is titled the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025. Its primary purpose is to protect the Lobster Management Area 1 from commercial offshore wind energy developments in order to support the interests of the local fishing industry.

2. Prohibition of Offshore Wind Development

Under this bill, commercial offshore wind energy development will be explicitly prohibited in Lobster Management Area 1. The legislation overrides previous authorities established by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, meaning that no leases, licenses, permits, or other approvals for wind energy projects can be granted in this area.

3. Legislative Findings

The bill includes several findings by Congress regarding the importance of the New England fishing industry:

• The fishing industry in New England has a deep-rooted history, culture, and economic significance spanning over four centuries.
• New England commercial fisheries have yielded significant catches, with an estimated total of approximately 416 million pounds of fish, worth around $1.35 billion in 2023.
• Maine and Massachusetts are the leading states for lobster fishing, contributing to a highly valued lobster fishery in the region.
• Lobster Management Area 1 is crucial for various species of fish and shellfish, making it a vital fishing ground.
• Previous actions by government agencies and executives have temporarily excluded this area from offshore wind energy development and recognized the importance of marine life.

4. Study of Environmental Review Processes

The bill mandates a study to be conducted by the Comptroller General within 120 days of its enactment. This study will evaluate the current environmental review processes for offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine. It will specifically look at:

• The impact of offshore wind projects on marine mammals, fish, and other marine life.
• The effects on commercial and recreational fishing industries, and related businesses.
• Environmental considerations, such as air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
• The potential effects on cultural, historical, and Tribal resources.
• How each agency involved consults stakeholders and whether local input is adequately incorporated into decision-making regarding offshore wind projects.

5. Definition of Lobster Management Area 1

The term "Lobster Management Area 1" refers to a specific marine area defined by federal regulations intended for the management of the lobster fishery, ensuring clarity concerning the boundaries for the application's provisions.

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