President Joe Biden has halted new offshore oil and gas drilling, aiming to safeguard U.S. coastal waters from future leasing.
At a Glance
- Biden bans new offshore drilling, counteracting Trump’s expansion plans.
- Utilized the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to restrict leasing.
- Affects East and West coasts, eastern Gulf of Mexico, parts of Alaska.
- Environmentalists support; industry calls it harmful to energy security.
- Action enhances Biden’s legacy on conservation and climate change.
Biden’s Last-Minute Environmental Push
Biden aims to solidify his environmental legacy by banning future offshore oil and gas drilling. This decision is aimed at thwarting efforts by President-elect Trump to increase drilling activity. Biden exercised authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to restrict future leasing across America’s coastal waters. This decision impacts federal waters off both coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, and northern parts of the Bering Sea in Alaska.
The move aligns with Biden’s climate agenda which seeks to conserve 30% of American lands and waters by 2030. Environmental advocates have hailed it as a victory for conservation and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. By protecting over 625 million acres, Biden’s decision creates significant hurdles for any attempts by a future administration to reverse course.
Biden, in 11th hour action, bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters https://t.co/smd0fBU55j
— WDBO (@WDBONews) January 6, 2025
Industry Concerns and Legislative Challenges
The oil and gas industry criticized the decision, arguing it undermines American energy security. They call for Congress to overturn the ban, viewing it as a politically motivated obstacle. Biden’s attempt to balance environmental conservation with energy production involves limited leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the industry’s skepticism remains unshaken.
“We urge policymakers to use every tool at their disposal to reverse this politically motivated decision and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing.” – Mike Sommers Source
Biden’s reliance on the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act sets a firm precedent, making reversals challenging without congressional intervention. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill remains a stark reminder of the risks, bolstering the administration’s position on environmental protection.
Biden’s Lasting Environmental Impact
Biden’s decision represents a broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy. The ban reflects his promise to permanently withdraw sections of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, along with other waters, from leasing plans. Such measures could set Biden apart as a climate change advocate despite looming opposition from fossil fuel proponents.
“Mr. Biden intends to invoke an obscure provision of a 1953 law, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, that would give him wide latitude to withdraw federal waters from future oil and gas leasing, said the people.” Source
The struggle between environmental conservation and energy needs remains a core issue. As Biden exits office, the tension surrounding these areas highlights the complexity of balancing America’s energy independence with ecological responsibility.
