President Biden announced a sweeping executive action banning new drilling on over 625 million acres of U.S. coastal and offshore waters. The move, unveiled just two weeks before his term ends, aims to protect areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea. Biden invoked the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, potentially limiting President-elect Trump’s ability to reverse the decision without congressional action.
"My decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers have long understood: drilling off these coasts risks irreversible damage and isn’t necessary for our energy needs," Biden stated. "It’s not worth the risks. With the climate crisis escalating and our transition to a clean energy economy underway, now is the time to safeguard these coasts for future generations."
Trump's incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, wasted no time in condemning the move. "This is a disgraceful decision meant to spite the American people who gave President Trump a mandate to drill and lower gas prices," Leavitt wrote on X. "Joe Biden will fail, and we will drill, baby, drill."
Biden hailed the action as a cornerstone of his climate legacy. "From Day One, I have pursued the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in our history," Biden said. "Over the last four years, we’ve conserved more than 670 million acres—more than any other president. This progress has been driven by Tribes, farmers, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide."
He argued the move balanced environmental protection with economic growth. "We don’t have to choose between protecting our environment and growing our economy," Biden added. "Protecting our coasts will strengthen communities and the economy for generations."
Ron Neal, chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America Offshore Committee, criticized the ban as a "significant and catastrophic" blow to the oil and gas industry. "While current production areas may not be immediately affected, this represents a major attack on our industry," Neal said. "This policy chokes long-term exploration and development, threatening the industry’s survival."
Neal warned of a broader anti-energy agenda. "If activists come for one thing, they’ll come for everything," he said. "This policy is catastrophic for oil and gas and could eventually target offshore wind farms for similar reasons. President Biden and his allies are pushing anti-energy policies that hurt Americans."
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his commitment to American "energy dominance" during his 2024 campaign. He promised to ramp up U.S. oil and gas production while rolling back Biden’s climate-focused initiatives.