Biden Bans Offshore Drilling in Major U.S. Coastal Waters: 625 Million Acres Protected

Biden Moves to Ban New Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling in Most U.S. Coastal Waters

President Joe Biden is taking decisive action to prevent new offshore oil and gas drilling in the majority of U.S. coastal waters. This move, aimed at protecting vast stretches of American coastline, comes as the Biden administration seeks to safeguard these areas from potential expansion of offshore drilling by the incoming Trump administration.

Utilizing authority granted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden’s ban will affect the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. The President emphasized the critical need to protect coastal regions in the face of the ongoing climate crisis and to facilitate the transition to clean energy sources.

The scope of this ban is significant, protecting over 625 million acres of federal waters along California, Florida, and other coastal states. However, it’s important to note that the ban does not impact large areas of the Gulf of Mexico, where the majority of U.S. offshore drilling currently takes place.

This decision builds upon a complex historical context. Former President Trump had previously signed a memorandum prohibiting drilling off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina until 2032, despite initially seeking to expand offshore drilling. Trump has already indicated plans to reverse Biden’s ban if re-elected, citing a focus on U.S. energy dominance.

Environmental advocates have praised Biden’s decision, viewing it as a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Organizations such as Oceana have highlighted the importance of protecting coastal communities and economies from the potential risks associated with offshore drilling.

However, the move has faced criticism from industry groups. The National Ocean Industries Association argues that the ban is politically motivated and could potentially harm energy consumers. They stress the importance of maintaining flexibility in offshore drilling to adapt to global events and energy demands.

In an effort to balance energy needs with environmental goals, Biden has proposed a limited number of oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, with none in Alaska. A five-year drilling plan includes proposed sales in 2025, 2027, and 2029, while also emphasizing the expansion of offshore wind development.

This decision follows previous limitations on offshore drilling in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, and has garnered support from local business alliances and coastal communities concerned about the impact of drilling on ecosystems and economies.

As the debate over offshore drilling continues, Biden’s move represents a significant shift in U.S. energy policy, with far-reaching implications for both environmental protection and energy production in the coming years.