Biden Protects Coasts from Drilling, Trump Promises Repeal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden has banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters, safeguarding over 625 million acres along the East and West coasts, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska. Using a 72-year-old law, Biden aims to protect ecosystems while transitioning to clean energy, but President-elect Trump promises to reverse the decision. The move has drawn praise from environmentalists and criticism from energy advocates.
Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban: Quick Looks
- Action Taken: Biden used the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to block new offshore drilling in most U.S. coastal waters.
- Protected Areas: Includes East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska.
- Environmental Goals: Aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize clean energy.
- Trump’s Response: Trump vowed to overturn the ban immediately upon taking office.
- Industry Reaction: Offshore drillers criticized the move as harmful to U.S. energy security.
- Legacy Building: Environmental advocates praised Biden for protecting coastal economies and ecosystems.
Biden Protects Coasts from Drilling, Trump Promises Repeal
Deep Look
President Joe Biden has moved to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in the majority of U.S. federal waters, a decision that safeguards over 625 million acres across key coastal regions. The measure, announced just two weeks before the end of his term, is seen as a strategic effort to block potential plans by President-elect Donald Trump to expand offshore drilling.
Biden’s Rationale for the Ban
“Drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear,” Biden said in a statement. The ban aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to combat the climate crisis and transition to a clean energy economy.
While the ban excludes areas in the central Gulf of Mexico, where most U.S. offshore drilling takes place, it effectively protects coastlines along California, Florida, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. Biden cited the minimal energy potential of the withdrawn areas and the significant risks to public health, the environment, and local economies as justification for the decision.
Trump’s Promise to Reverse the Ban
President-elect Trump, set to take office on January 20, has vowed to reverse the ban immediately, declaring it a hindrance to American energy production. Trump criticized the move as unnecessary, reiterating his vision for achieving U.S. energy dominance.
“We have oil and gas at levels nobody else has, and we’re going to take advantage of it,” Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt, pledging to undo the ban “on day one.”
Environmentalists vs. Energy Advocates
Biden’s decision has been lauded by environmental groups, who argue that limiting new drilling is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Joseph Gordon, campaign director for Oceana, called the move “an epic ocean victory,” applauding Biden for safeguarding coastal communities and preserving marine ecosystems.
However, the National Ocean Industries Association, representing offshore drillers, criticized the decision as shortsighted. Erik Milito, the association’s president, warned that such bans undermine U.S. energy independence and could lead to reliance on foreign energy sources.
“This move directly jeopardizes the vast benefits tied to a thriving domestic energy sector,” Milito said, citing the need to adapt to global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Balancing Energy and Climate Priorities
Biden’s actions highlight the delicate balance between promoting clean energy and addressing the needs of the energy sector. His administration has approved limited oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico under a five-year drilling plan while aiming to meet legal requirements for offshore wind development.
The president’s decision to approve the controversial Willow oil project in Alaska last year drew criticism from environmentalists, making the current offshore drilling ban a significant step toward cementing his climate legacy.
Economic and Environmental Stakes
Sandra Bundy, president of the Business Alliance for Protecting the Atlantic Coast, celebrated Biden’s decision, noting its importance in safeguarding coastal economies dependent on tourism, fishing, and clean environments. She warned that offshore drilling would exacerbate threats from stronger storms and rising sea levels, adding, “Opening these waters to drilling posed serious risks to millions along the coast.”
Conversely, industry advocates argue that the ban restricts economic opportunities and undermines the flexibility needed to adapt to energy market fluctuations.
Future Implications
The 72-year-old law cited by Biden gives the president significant authority to withdraw areas from offshore leasing, making it challenging for future administrations to reverse the decision. However, legal battles or legislative action could potentially alter the ban.
As Biden prepares to leave office, the ban serves as a defining moment in his environmental legacy. Trump’s promise to undo the measure sets the stage for a political and legal showdown, reflecting the deep divide between environmental and energy priorities in the U.S.
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