Offshore oil and gas drillers no longer need to check for ancient shipwrecks

A rule that made offshore oil and gas companies check for ancient shipwrecks was canceled. This means companies no longer have to submit archaeological reports to get their drilling plans approved.

The US government will no longer require offshore oil and gas companies to survey for historical sites before drilling. This makes it cheaper and faster for companies to get permits, but it leaves marine archaeological resources unprotected.