Overview
Title
To prohibit drilling in the outer Continental Shelf, to prohibit coal leases on Federal land, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
This bill wants to stop digging and taking out things like oil and coal from the ocean and land owned by the government, to help protect the Earth.
Summary AI
S. 5588, known as the “Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024”, aims to halt new drilling and extraction of oil, natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels from both offshore and Federal lands. It prohibits any new leases or renewal of nonproducing leases on Federal lands and waters, such as in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. The bill focuses on addressing climate change by keeping fossil fuels in the ground and promoting a clean energy transition. Exceptions are allowed for national security threats and to prevent breach of contract issues, but these are limited in scope and duration.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
The bill titled "Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024" aims to significantly reduce environmental impact by prohibiting drilling and fossil fuel leases on federal land and waters in the United States. Introduced by Senators Merkley, Sanders, Warren, and Markey, this legislative proposal emphasizes the need for action against climate change by managing the nation’s resources in a manner that curtails future fossil fuel extraction.
General Summary
The primary objective of the "Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024" is to prohibit new drilling activities in the outer continental shelf of the United States and to stop issuing new coal leases on federal lands. The bill highlights the increase in global temperatures due to human activities, mainly fossil fuel combustion, urging a transition to cleaner energy sources. It mandates a halt to new leases for oil, gas, coal, tar sands, oil shale, and fracking on federal lands and waters, and requires the cancellation of certain existing leases. A small number of exceptions related to national security and breach of contract are included, portraying a significant shift in policy towards environmental conservation.
Summary of Significant Issues
One notable issue with the bill is the lack of specific measures for transitioning to a clean energy economy, which could result in unclear policy implementation. The text does not address how existing fossil fuel infrastructure will be managed, nor does it specify compensation methods for industries that may be adversely affected. Additionally, the broad terminology and lack of detailed definitions lead to ambiguity, characterizing potential legal challenges, particularly around existing lease rights under the new directives.
The provisions for exceptions, such as those concerning national security, remain undefined regarding what qualifies as an imminent threat. This vagueness could enable wide-ranging interpretations and possible misuse. Moreover, the bill does not account for economic impacts on regions or communities heavily reliant on the industries it restricts, which might lead to opposition.
Broad Impact on the Public
At a broader societal level, the bill could signal a strong governmental commitment to combating climate change and might accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. This shift might offer long-term environmental benefits by preserving ecosystems associated with federal lands and waters. However, the potential economic impacts, including job losses in fossil fuel industries and related sectors, would be significant and might provoke public and political debate.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Industries tied to fossil fuels are likely to be directly affected by this bill. Companies involved in oil, gas, and coal extraction could face restrictions and legal battles over existing contracts, potentially leading to financial losses and operational disruptions. On the other hand, the renewable energy sector might benefit from increased investment and support as attention shifts towards more sustainable practices.
Communities and regions that depend economically on fossil fuel extraction may experience unemployment and reduced economic activity, necessitating support and investment in alternative industries. Conversely, environmental advocacy groups may view the bill as a positive step toward achieving climate goals, potentially serving as a catalyst for similar measures internationally.
In conclusion, while the "Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024" is ambitious in its environmental intent, its lack of detailed implementation strategies and its potential socio-economic implications require careful consideration and likely further refinement to balance environmental goals with economic realities.
Issues
The lack of specific measures or steps for transitioning to a clean energy economy in Section 2 could lead to vague or ineffective policies, making it challenging to achieve the bill's objectives.
The language in Section 6, particularly regarding 'imminent national security threat,' is not clearly defined. This could lead to varying interpretations of when an exemption is justified, potentially allowing for significant deviation from the bill's intended restrictions on leasing.
The broad prohibition on new leasing in Sections 4 and 5, affecting multiple oceans and federal lands, does not address how existing infrastructures or economic dependencies in these regions will be managed, potentially leading to significant economic and legal challenges.
Sections 4 and 5 lack clarity on handling existing contracts or rights that conflict with new directives. This omission could lead to numerous legal challenges from affected stakeholders.
The bill's implications for industries dependent on fossil fuels are not addressed, particularly in terms of economic impacts and potential job losses, which could lead to opposition and hinder implementation.
The criteria or conditions for existing leases to be classified as nonproducing in Sections 3 and 5 are not specified, creating ambiguity that could lead to disputes over lease status and rights.
The lack of detailed definitions for terms such as 'proven fossil fuel reserves' and 'nonproducing lease' in Sections 2 and 3 may lead to ambiguities and inconsistencies in the bill's application.
The provision for exceptions in 'material breach' of contract in Section 6 lacks elaboration, creating potential for legal ambiguities if conflicts arise concerning nonproducing lease contracts signed before the bill's enactment.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this act states that it may be referred to as the “Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024.”
2. Findings; statement of policy Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress finds that global warming is primarily caused by human activities and poses significant threats to the environment and economy. To combat this, the policy aims to manage Federal lands and waters by preventing new leases for fossil fuels and supporting a shift to clean energy.
3. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The definitions section of this act explains key terms related to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act. It defines "extend," "nonproducing lease," "reinstate," "renew," and "Secretary," specifying actions like extending or renewing a lease, and what constitutes a nonproducing lease.
4. Stopping new offshore oil and gas leases in the gulf of mexico and the pacific, atlantic, and arctic oceans Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing new leases or renewing existing leases for oil and gas exploration or production in the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico. It also mandates the cancellation of certain existing leases within 60 days of the law's passage.
5. Stopping new coal, oil, tar sands, fracked gas, and oil shale leases on Federal land Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits the Secretary from conducting new lease sales or renewing existing nonproducing leases for fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas on Federal land covered by the Mineral Leasing Act. This applies to leases in place before the enactment date of this Act.
6. Exceptions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines exceptions where the Secretary can waive certain rules of the Act. For national security reasons, provisions can be exempted if immediate threats exist, and this lasts only as long as the threat persists. For lease contracts signed before the Act, extensions or renewals might be allowed to prevent a legal declaration of breach, lasting only as long as necessary.
7. Severability Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
If any part of this law or an amendment made by it is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the law, including other amendments and how they apply, will still remain valid and enforceable.