President Joe Biden has taken action to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters in a last-minute effort to prevent potential expansion of offshore drilling by the incoming Trump administration. Biden cited the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to protect offshore areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea from future oil and natural gas leasing.
Biden emphasized the need to safeguard these coastal areas, stating that drilling could cause irreversible damage and is unnecessary to meet the nation's energy needs. With a focus on transitioning to a clean energy economy and addressing the climate crisis, Biden aims to protect these coasts for future generations.
The President's orders would not impact the Gulf of Mexico significantly, where most U.S. offshore drilling occurs, but they would shield coastlines in states like California and Florida from future drilling activities.
Environmental advocates have praised Biden's decision, highlighting the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. The move is seen as a significant step towards protecting coastal waters and supporting economic activities reliant on clean environments, wildlife, and fisheries.
Biden's actions build on a bipartisan tradition of coastal protection, with previous presidents also taking steps to safeguard U.S. coastlines from offshore drilling. The decision to withdraw areas from fossil fuel use was based on the minimal potential for new leasing and drilling to justify the associated environmental, public health, and economic risks.
While Biden has proposed limited oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, he aims to balance the interests of energy companies and environmental activists. The administration's five-year drilling plan includes proposed offshore sales in the Gulf of Mexico, with a focus on expanding offshore wind development.
Despite criticism from some quarters, Biden's move to restrict new offshore drilling aligns with his administration's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices. The decision reflects a broader effort to protect coastal environments and support a transition towards cleaner energy sources.
