Ezell, Carter, Higgins, Figures Introduce Bipartisan Offshore Parity Act to Expand Gulf State Boundaries

Today, Representatives Mike Ezell (MS-04), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Shomari Figures (AL-02) introduced the Offshore Parity Act, bipartisan legislation to establish equal offshore boundaries for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama-bringing them in line with Texas and Florida.

Under current law, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have jurisdiction over three nautical miles offshore, while Texas and Florida maintain nine nautical miles. The Offshore Parity Act would extend the boundaries of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to nine nautical miles, providing greater access to energy and marine resources and increasing state-level control.

"For too long, Mississippi and our Gulf Coast neighbors have operated under an outdated and unequal system," Ezell said. "This bill is about fairness. Expanding our offshore boundaries will strengthen our economy, support energy production, and give our state the same opportunities already afforded to Texas and Florida."

"This is a critical step toward equality, ensuring that Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have the same authority over their waters as Texas and Florida," said Carter. "This bill will empower us to manage our energy resources, protect our coastal communities, and strengthen our fisheries-securing economic benefits for our states."

"This bill ensures that states are on equal footing regarding offshore boundaries," Higgins said. "The expansion from three to nine miles of state waters would provide Louisiana with greater control and economic benefit from its offshore resources. My office will continue to advocate for our coastal communities and industries."

"There's no reason Alabama should have less access and control of our shores than Texas and Florida have over theirs," Figures said. "This bipartisan bill levels the playing field by making a commonsense update that ensures all gulf states have equal offshore boundaries."

The Offshore Parity Act proposes amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to reflect the expanded boundaries and align fisheries and resource management accordingly.

This legislation builds on prior efforts introduced in the previous Congress and continues longstanding advocacy from Gulf Coast states seeking equal treatment under federal law. The current disparity dates back to the Submerged Lands Act of 1953, which granted Texas and Florida expanded offshore boundaries while limiting Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama to three nautical miles.

By establishing parity, the bill is expected to enhance economic development, increase state revenues, and provide greater local control over coastal resources.

###