President Joe Biden’s executive order banning new offshore oil and gas drilling along much of the U.S. coast has ignited a firestorm of debate over energy policy and environmental protection.
He’s clearly trying to stop Trump’s agenda. He’s so spiteful.
At a Glance
- Biden’s order protects over 625 million acres of U.S. coastline from future offshore drilling
- The ban covers the entire East Coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Pacific and Alaskan coasts
- The order can only be overturned by an act of Congress
- The ban does not affect existing oil rigs or new drilling in the central and western Gulf of Mexico
- President-elect Trump has vowed to reverse the ban “immediately” upon taking office
Biden’s Last-Minute Environmental Push
In the waning days of his presidency, Joe Biden has taken a bold step to cement his environmental legacy – and stop Trump from ensuring American energy leadership and security. The executive order, described as one of the most sweeping bans on offshore drilling and new leases, aims to protect vast stretches of American coastline from future oil and gas exploration.
The ban covers the entire East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean off Washington, Oregon, and California, and parts of the North Bering Sea in Alaska. This move aligns with Biden’s broader initiative for healthy oceans and clean energy amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Trump is threatening to reverse President Biden's offshore drilling ban & expose NJ & other coastal states to the risks of a catastrophic oil spill that would devastate our environment & economy.
We will not stop fighting to preserve this ban & protect our oceans from drilling. https://t.co/Eqb3OH6L0m
— Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) January 7, 2025
And you know what’s so crazy about this? Biden knows Trump can undo this – it’ll just take time to do it. This is spite: pure and simple.
Impact and Implications
While the immediate impact of the ban may be minimal, as it largely covers areas with little oil and gas exploration or already protected regions, its long-term implications are significant. The oil industry argues that this decision will hinder future exploration of new offshore oil sources, potentially affecting America’s energy independence.
“As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country and we are transitioning to a clean energy economy, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren,” Biden said.
Yeah, OK.
It’s worth noting that the ban does not affect new drilling in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, which remain significant for U.S. oil and gas production. The Gulf of Mexico continues to contribute 14% of domestic output, highlighting the delicate balance between environmental protection and energy needs.
The executive order has set the stage for a potential showdown with the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump has already voiced his opposition to the ban, stating, “I’ll unban it immediately.” This clash underscores the stark differences in energy and environmental policies between the two administrations.
Despite Trump’s vow to reverse the ban, legal experts suggest that such an action may face significant challenges. Previous attempts to revoke similar orders have been unsuccessful in court, potentially complicating any efforts to undo Biden’s executive action.
We’ll see.
