In early January 2025, President Joe Biden issued a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling across more than 625 million acres of U.S. federal waters. This action affects the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. Biden utilized the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to implement these protections, aiming to safeguard coastal communities and address environmental concerns.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse this ban immediately upon taking office, emphasizing the importance of U.S. energy independence and economic growth through oil and gas development.
Environmental groups have praised Biden’s decision, highlighting its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect coastal ecosystems. Conversely, industry representatives argue that the ban could undermine energy security and economic opportunities.
The debate underscores the ongoing tension between environmental protection efforts and energy production priorities in U.S. policy.
