Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 5745 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5745 To promote fish habitat through the enhancement of certain offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines as artificial reefs, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 14, 2025 Mr. Ezell (for himself, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, and Mr. Veasey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To promote fish habitat through the enhancement of certain offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines as artificial reefs, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act''. SEC. 2. USE OF CERTAIN OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS PLATFORMS AND PIPELINES FOR ARTIFICIAL REEFS. (a) National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984.--The National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 (33 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by amending section 206 (33 U.S.C. 2105) to read as follows: ``SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS. ``In this title: ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere in the Under Secretary's capacity as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ``(2) Artificial reef.--The term `Artificial reef' means a structure or facility and associated equipment and infrastructure which is located, constructed or placed in Covered Waters that enhances fishery resources and commercial and recreational fishing opportunities, including, without limitation, Approved Structures. ``(3) Director.--The term `Director' means the Principal Deputy Director Exercising the Delegated Authorities