U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Texas-19) introduced legislation aimed at repealing President Biden’s offshore drilling ban, which was enacted via executive order on January 6, 2025. The ban prohibits American energy exploration across 625 million acres of offshore territory, including areas along the East and West Coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea.
Sen. Cruz strongly criticized the executive order, calling it an attack on American energy independence, jobs, and national security.
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“President Biden’s ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling is a gift to our adversaries and once again confirms that this President has failed to protect the livelihood of American energy workers,” said Cruz. “Under President Trump, we achieved energy dominance, and I am committed to leading the fight to restore it and protect Texas jobs.”
Rep. Arrington echoed these sentiments, condemning Biden’s last-minute decision before leaving office as an “all-out assault on domestic energy production.”
“Banning oil and gas production on millions of acres of offshore waters threatens national security and empowers adversaries like Russia,” said Arrington. “Senator Cruz and I are fighting to repeal this dangerous policy and ensure a clear path for President Trump’s America First agenda on day one.”
The legislation has garnered strong support from industry stakeholders and energy advocacy groups who argue that the ban could have devastating consequences for the economy and national security.
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Matt Coday, President of the Oil & Gas Workers Association (OGWA), voiced his support, stating: “Joe Biden’s ban on offshore drilling hurts our jobs, drives up energy costs for every American, and funds terrorists. We are grateful Senator Cruz and Representative Arrington are leading the fight to overturn the Biden ban and ensure we achieve American energy dominance under President Trump.”
Dustin Van Liew, Vice President of Global Policy & Government Affairs at EnerGeo, emphasized the critical role of offshore resources in meeting the nation’s energy needs.
“The Gulf of Mexico plays a crucial role in America’s energy production and restricting access to these resources could harm the nation’s energy security and economic stability,” Van Liew said.
Holly Hopkins, Vice President of Upstream Policy at the American Petroleum Institute (API), stated that offshore drilling contributes significantly to affordable energy and government revenue.
“We welcome the efforts of Sen. Cruz and Rep. Arrington to reverse the Biden administration’s disastrous decision,” Hopkins said.
READ: Biden Administration Announces Sweeping Ban On Offshore Drilling Across 625 Million Acres
Erik Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), highlighted the strategic importance of overturning the ban.
“By lifting these restrictions, Congress can restore confidence in U.S. energy investment, strengthen the economy, and protect our national security,” Milito added.
The Biden administration implemented the offshore drilling ban citing environmental, health, and economic risks, with opposition from over 2,300 officials and coastal communities. Supporters of the ban argue that offshore drilling poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, public health, and efforts to combat climate change.
However, energy advocates insist that the ban undermines efforts to boost domestic energy production, job creation, and U.S. energy security while making the country more reliant on foreign oil.
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The Overturn Biden’s Offshore Energy Ban Act, introduced by Cruz and Arrington, will now go before Congress, where it is expected to face significant debate. If passed, the bill would pave the way for renewed offshore energy exploration and reinforce the incoming Trump administration’s pro-energy policies.
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