Baton Rouge Reporter

Louisiana Congressmen Garret Graves and Troy A. Carter, Sr. have introduced a bipartisan bill named the "Offshore Parity Act of 2024." This legislation aims to expand state authority for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico, granting them greater control over resources such as energy and fisheries.

"Texas and Florida have nearly nine miles of state waters, while Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have just three," stated Graves. "Our bill fixes this disparity by giving all Gulf states the same nine miles of energy, fisheries and other resources to manage."

Graves emphasized that increased energy production in Louisiana waters could generate new revenue for coastal rebuilding efforts and protection measures. He also highlighted that the management of fisheries would remain strong under local jurisdiction.

Congressman Carter echoed these sentiments: "This is a critical step toward equality, ensuring Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have the same authority over their waters as Texas and Florida." He noted that the bill aims to empower these states to manage their energy resources effectively while securing economic and environmental benefits.

Graves has been involved in efforts to expand Louisiana's maritime boundaries since his time as a Senate staffer when he helped draft the Offshore Fairness Act of 2005. He expressed appreciation for Congressman Carter's support in leading this initiative.

The issue dates back to legislative actions in the mid-20th century when Congress passed the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 (SLA) establishing coastal states' jurisdictional boundaries. The SLA granted Texas and Florida jurisdiction over nine nautical miles off their coastlines but limited Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to three nautical miles. This led to significant federal oversight in resource-rich areas of the Gulf.

In 1969, Louisiana challenged this restriction before the United States Supreme Court but was unsuccessful in extending its jurisdiction beyond three nautical miles. The new Graves-Carter bill seeks to address this long-standing disparity.