Three Democratic senators vote with GOP to cancel Biden offshore drilling rule

Published February 25, 2025 6:44pm ET



The Senate on Tuesday voted to cancel a rule promulgated by the Biden administration requiring oil and gas lessees and operators to submit archaeological reports for exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf. 

Senators voted 54-44 to overturn the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources rule. Republicans argued that the rule blocks domestic energy production, weakens energy independence, and burdens lessees with costly surveys.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.