A new bipartisan bill in Congress aims to level the playing field for the Gulf Coast states by expanding offshore boundaries for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Introduced by Rep. Troy Carter Sr., D-La., alongside Reps. Mike Ezell, R-Miss., Clay Higgins, R-La., and Shomari Figures, D-La., the Offshore Parity Act would extend state waters from three nautical miles out to nine– matching the boundaries long held by Texas and Florida.

Under current law, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have jurisdiction over just three nautical miles offshore, a limitation dating back to the Submerged Lands Act of 1953. Texas and Florida were granted broader authority, a disparity that Louisiana unsuccessfully challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1969 case United States v. Louisiana.

The proposed legislation would amend both the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to reflect the expanded boundaries, aligning fisheries oversight and resource management across the Gulf.

Supporters say the change would give Gulf states more control over fisheries and offshore resources, with potential economic benefits for coastal communities.

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

Higgins echoed that sentiment, saying the expansion “would provide Louisiana with greater control and economic benefit from its offshore resources,” WBRZ reported.