H.R. 9947 — Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act

This section prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against covered employees for providing information on violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, testifying before Congress or in proceedings, reporting unsafe conditions or inadequate oil spill response plans, or refusing duties reasonably believed to cause injury or an oil spill. It authorizes complaints to the Secretary of Labor within 180 days, requires an investigation within 90 days with opportunities for written responses and witness statements, and permits preliminary reinstatement orders enforceable in district court, with appeals to an administrative law judge within 30 days.

This section defines covered employees as individuals performing services for employers engaged in oil or gas exploration, development, production, processing, or transportation activities, or in oil spill cleanup and related occupational safety and health work, on the Outer Continental Shelf, including applicants for such employment. It defines employers to include agents, contractors, subcontractors, grantees, and consultants, and adopts the meaning of Outer Continental Shelf from the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.