Biden bans offshore drilling in 625M acres of federal waters before Trump admin
President Biden made a bold move in his final days in office, signing an executive action that bans new drilling and further oil and natural gas development on over 625 million acres of U.S. coastal and offshore waters. This decision covers areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. By invoking the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden has made it difficult for President-elect Trump to reverse this action without congressional intervention.
In a statement, Biden emphasized the importance of protecting these coastal areas from the potential irreversible damage that drilling could cause. He highlighted the transition to a clean energy economy and the need to safeguard these coasts for future generations. This move was part of Biden’s broader climate and conservation agenda, which he touted as the most ambitious in the country’s history.
However, the decision faced criticism from Trump’s incoming administration, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it a “disgraceful decision” aimed at undermining Trump’s energy policies. Leavitt promised that the Trump administration would prioritize increasing drilling and lowering gas prices, despite Biden’s efforts to limit offshore development.
The ban on offshore drilling also drew condemnation from industry leaders, with Ron Neal of the Independent Petroleum Association of America Offshore Committee calling it “significant and catastrophic.” Neal warned that the restrictions could harm the long-term viability of the oil and natural gas industry and set the stage for broader restrictions across all U.S. basins.
In his defense of the decision, Biden emphasized that protecting the environment and promoting economic growth are not mutually exclusive. He argued that safeguarding America’s coasts and oceans is essential for the prosperity of communities and the economy in the long run. However, critics like Neal remain skeptical, suggesting that the ban on offshore drilling could be just the beginning of more extensive restrictions on the energy industry.
As the transition of power approaches, the clash between Biden’s climate priorities and Trump’s energy dominance agenda is becoming increasingly apparent. While Biden aims to leave a legacy of environmental protection, Trump’s administration is poised to prioritize drilling and energy production. The outcome of this clash will have significant implications for the future of U.S. energy policy and environmental conservation efforts.
