Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana lawmakers push to expand Gulf coast boundaries

Congressmen from Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana have introduced legislation to expand the offshore boundaries of their states in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill aims to extend their jurisdiction from three nautical miles to nine, aligning with Texas and Florida.

The legislation, called the Offshore Parity Act, would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Supporters say the move would increase access to energy and marine resources and enhance state control over coastal areas, according to a news release.

Mississippi Congressman Mike Ezell, a Republican, said the current boundary system is outdated and unfair. “Expanding our offshore boundaries will strengthen our economy, support energy production, and give our state the same opportunities already available to Texas and Florida,” Ezell stated.

The lawmakers pointed out that the disparity stems from the 1953 Submerged Lands Act, which granted Texas and Florida expanded offshore boundaries while limiting Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama to three nautical miles. They argue that establishing parity would lead to economic growth, increased state revenues, and greater local control over coastal resources.

Source: Original Article