Gulf lawmakers push to extend state offshore borders to 9 miles
A bipartisan group of Gulf Coast lawmakers is proposing to expand state maritime boundaries from 3 miles to 9 miles offshore, a change that could alter fisheries regulation and unlock billions in economic value.
A bipartisan coalition of Gulf Coast lawmakers is seeking to change a 73-year-old law that limits state maritime boundaries to 3 miles offshore, proposing an extension to 9 miles. The move could reshape regulation of local fisheries and potentially generate billions of dollars in economic value. Lawmakers say the change would give states greater authority over offshore resources and management.